Shares of the American biotechnology company Novavax rose 9% to $8.72 as of January 20. This increase followed the company's earlier disclosure of a significant licensing agreement with Pfizer, under which the two parties will collaborate around Novavax's Matrix-M adjuvant.

According to the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will receive a non-exclusive license to use the Matrix-M adjuvant in up to two unspecified disease areas. The Matrix-M adjuvant is one of Novavax's core proprietary technologies, capable of enhancing a vaccine's immunogenicity and improving its protective efficacy. This collaboration represents Pfizer's recognition of Novavax's technological capabilities and lays the groundwork for future synergistic innovation in the vaccine field.

John Jacobs, President and Chief Executive Officer of Novavax, stated: "The Novavax team is excited to have reached an agreement with Pfizer to include our Matrix-M technology in future development plans." He further noted: "This agreement, along with other newly established partnerships, further demonstrates the potential value of Matrix-M in new product development." This collaboration not only brings commercial opportunities to Novavax but may also drive overall progress in vaccine technology.