Novavax rises after naming internal medicine specialist as R&D head

Shares of vaccine maker Novavax NVAX.O rise 1.5% to $8.58 premarket

Co appoints Robert Walker as executive vice president and head of research and development, effective immediately

Walker, previously the firm's chief medical officer, replaces Ruxandra Draghia-Akli, who has left the company

Co says Walker will oversee preclinical and clinical research as Novavax works to advance its vaccine pipeline

Walker has more than 30 years of experience in drug and vaccine development, including roles at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, co says

Shares fell ~16% in 2025