Shares of major vaccine companies surged on Friday following the announcement by researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology of a new bat virus—HKU5-Cov-2—that uses the same receptor as SARS-CoV-2. The discovery has stirred concerns about potential pandemics, prompting investors to bet on a renewed need for innovative vaccines.
Moderna Inc. led the rally, with its shares rising as much as 6.6%, while Novavax Inc. saw gains up to 7.8%. American depositary receipts of BioNTech SE, Pfizer Inc.’s key partner in Covid-19 vaccine development, increased by as much as 5.1%. Pfizer’s stock also experienced a modest uptick, reflecting cautious optimism in the market.
The study, spearheaded by renowned virologist Shi Zhengli—popularly known as “Batwoman” for her extensive research on bat coronaviruses—has ignited global debate. Although HKU5-Cov-2 currently poses no immediate threat to humans, its ability to bind to the same receptor as the COVID-19 virus raises critical questions about its potential to spark another pandemic.
Market experts noted that the jump in vaccine firm stocks reflects investor responsiveness to new viral threats. “Any suggestion of a virus with features akin to SARS-CoV-2 automatically enhances faith in firms at the forefront of vaccine development,” an analyst said. While scientists strive to learn more about HKU5-Cov-2, the financial and scientific worlds continue to watch for its broader implications for global health and the economy.
