
Shares of drugmaker Invivyd IVVD.O rise 11.4% to 72 cents premarket
Co says it has started discovery program to test measles monoclonal antibody
Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins that mimic immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses
"Goal is to identify a preclinical monoclonal antibody candidate in 2025; anticipates providing a progress update by end of year," IVVD says
There are currently no anti-viral treatments for measles; measles vaccine is 97% effective after two doses, according to CDC
Measles cases in U.S. crossed 1,000 for first time in five years, federal data showed on May 9
Up to last close, stock up 45.8% YTD