Dynavax Secures Licensing Deal for Vaxart's Oral COVID-19 Vaccine Initiative
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Nov 05 2025
0mins
Should l Buy DVAX?
Collaboration Agreement: Dynavax Technologies and Vaxart have entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement for Vaxart's investigational oral COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which features a novel delivery method.
Vaccine Mechanism and Benefits: The oral vaccine aims to induce mucosal immunity, potentially reducing infection and transmission, while improving patient acceptance and simplifying distribution without cold chain requirements.
Financial Terms: Dynavax will pay Vaxart an upfront license fee of $25 million and make a $5 million equity investment, gaining exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the oral COVID-19 vaccine.
Clinical Development Responsibilities: Vaxart will manage the oral vaccine program through the ongoing Phase 2b clinical trial, after which Dynavax can choose to take over future development, with additional payments contingent on this decision.
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Analyst Views on DVAX
Wall Street analysts forecast DVAX stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for DVAX is 20.50 USD with a low forecast of 16.00 USD and a high forecast of 25.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
3 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 15.490
Low
16.00
Averages
20.50
High
25.00
Current: 15.490
Low
16.00
Averages
20.50
High
25.00
About DVAX
Dynavax Technologies Corporation is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing vaccines to help protect against infectious diseases. The Company has two commercial products: HEPLISAV-B vaccine (Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant), Adjuvanted), and CpG 1018 adjuvant. The HEPLISAV-B vaccine is used for the prevention of infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in adults 18 years of age and older. HEPLISAV-B is a two-dose in-one-month adult hepatitis B vaccine. CpG 1018 adjuvant is used in HEPLISAV-B and multiple adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccines. The Company is advancing a pipeline of differentiated product candidates that leverage its CpG 1018 adjuvant to develop improved vaccines in indications with unmet medical needs. Its pipeline programs include Shingles vaccine program (Z-1018) and Plague vaccine program. Z-1018 is an investigational vaccine candidate being developed for the prevention of shingles in adults aged 50 and older.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
David Novack Sells 114,000 Shares for $1.8 Million
- Transaction Overview: David Novack exercised 114,000 stock options and sold them immediately for approximately $1.8 million, indicating a proactive approach to his holdings that may reflect confidence in the company's market outlook.
- Stake Reduction: Following this transaction, Novack's direct ownership decreased to 63,344 shares, representing 0.05% of the company's outstanding shares, a significant reduction that may raise market speculation regarding his future intentions with the stock.
- Historical Comparison: The size of this transaction substantially exceeds Novack's recent median sell transaction of 30,000 shares, suggesting a more aggressive capital management strategy in the current market environment, possibly driven by optimism about the company's prospects.
- Acquisition Impact: Concurrently with Novack's stock sale, Dynavax announced an acquisition agreement with pharmaceutical giant Sanofi at $15.50 per share, valuing the company at around $2 billion, which underscores market recognition of Dynavax's growth potential.
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- Acquisition Proposal: Ocular Therapeutix rejected Sanofi's initial takeover bid of $16 per share in September, which represented a significant premium over its then-trading price of approximately $10.50, indicating Sanofi's interest in expanding its ophthalmology footprint.
- Market Reaction: Following the acquisition news, Ocular Therapeutix's stock surged 13% in premarket trading, reflecting investor optimism regarding the potential acquisition, while OCUL shares have gained about 34% over the past year.
- Strategic Implications: If the acquisition goes through, it would bolster Sanofi's market position in ophthalmology, particularly in age-related macular degeneration treatments, and could support the development of combination therapies by integrating Ocular's existing drugs with Sanofi's portfolio.
- Acquisition Trend: Sanofi has ramped up its acquisition strategy recently, acquiring Dynavax for $2.2 billion and Blueprint Medicines for $9.1 billion, aiming to enhance its vaccine and rare disease treatment offerings.
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- New Bidder Emergence: Following the agreement with Sanofi for a $2.2 billion acquisition, Dynavax (DVAX) shares rose 1.9%, indicating market interest in potential competing bids that could affect the final deal outcome.
- Acquisition Details: Sanofi agreed to acquire Dynavax at $15.50 per share, representing a 39% premium over the closing price on December 23, reflecting market confidence in the transaction and expectations for Dynavax's future value.
- Competitive Interest: On December 28, an unidentified 'Party A' expressed continued interest in Dynavax and sent an unsolicited email to CEO Spencer, highlighting ongoing market interest and potential acquisition competition.
- Management Response: According to a proxy filing, Spencer did not respond to 'Party A's' email and informed the Board, a move that could influence the negotiation process and strategic direction for Dynavax.
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- FONAR Transaction Scrutiny: FONAR Corporation shareholders may face potential violations as the company sells Class B common stock for $19.00 per share and Class C common stock for $6.34 per share, raising concerns about conflicts of interest involving the CEO and executives.
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- ON24 Transaction Investigation: ON24, Inc. is selling to Cvent for $8.10 per share in cash, and Halper Sadeh LLC may provide legal support to shareholders to ensure transparency and fairness in the transaction.
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- Shareholder Compensation Investigation: Monteverde Law Firm is investigating the transaction between Dynavax Technologies and Sanofi, with Dynavax shareholders expected to receive $15.50 per share in cash, providing a potential return opportunity that reflects the company's value in the merger context.
- FONAR Transaction Details: FONAR Corporation's Class B common stockholders will receive $19.00 per share, while Class C stockholders will receive $6.34 per share, offering clear cash returns to shareholders and demonstrating transparency in management-led acquisitions.
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- Potential Legal Remedies: The firm may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures, and other relief measures aimed at protecting shareholder interests and ensuring transaction transparency, which could lead to better outcomes for investors.
- Investigation of Other Companies: In addition to DigitalBridge, Halper Sadeh is also investigating Amicus Therapeutics and Dynavax Technologies for their respective sales at $14.50 and $15.50 per share, highlighting a broader concern for shareholder rights across multiple firms.
- Legal Fee Arrangement: Halper Sadeh LLC offers contingent fee arrangements, encouraging shareholders to consult on their legal rights and options at no upfront cost, thereby reducing the financial burden on shareholders and increasing their willingness to engage in legal action.
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David Novack Sells 114,000 Shares for $1.8 Million
- Transaction Overview: David Novack exercised 114,000 stock options and sold them immediately for approximately $1.8 million, indicating a proactive approach to his holdings that may reflect confidence in the company's market outlook.
- Stake Reduction: Following this transaction, Novack's direct ownership decreased to 63,344 shares, representing 0.05% of the company's outstanding shares, a significant reduction that may raise market speculation regarding his future intentions with the stock.
- Historical Comparison: The size of this transaction substantially exceeds Novack's recent median sell transaction of 30,000 shares, suggesting a more aggressive capital management strategy in the current market environment, possibly driven by optimism about the company's prospects.
- Acquisition Impact: Concurrently with Novack's stock sale, Dynavax announced an acquisition agreement with pharmaceutical giant Sanofi at $15.50 per share, valuing the company at around $2 billion, which underscores market recognition of Dynavax's growth potential.
See More
Ocular Therapeutix Rejects Sanofi's Bid, Stock Surges 13%
- Acquisition Proposal: Ocular Therapeutix rejected Sanofi's initial takeover bid of $16 per share in September, which represented a significant premium over its then-trading price of approximately $10.50, indicating Sanofi's interest in expanding its ophthalmology footprint.
- Market Reaction: Following the acquisition news, Ocular Therapeutix's stock surged 13% in premarket trading, reflecting investor optimism regarding the potential acquisition, while OCUL shares have gained about 34% over the past year.
- Strategic Implications: If the acquisition goes through, it would bolster Sanofi's market position in ophthalmology, particularly in age-related macular degeneration treatments, and could support the development of combination therapies by integrating Ocular's existing drugs with Sanofi's portfolio.
- Acquisition Trend: Sanofi has ramped up its acquisition strategy recently, acquiring Dynavax for $2.2 billion and Blueprint Medicines for $9.1 billion, aiming to enhance its vaccine and rare disease treatment offerings.
See More
Dynavax (DVAX) Shares Rise 1.9% as New Bidder Emerges Post-Sanofi Deal
- New Bidder Emergence: Following the agreement with Sanofi for a $2.2 billion acquisition, Dynavax (DVAX) shares rose 1.9%, indicating market interest in potential competing bids that could affect the final deal outcome.
- Acquisition Details: Sanofi agreed to acquire Dynavax at $15.50 per share, representing a 39% premium over the closing price on December 23, reflecting market confidence in the transaction and expectations for Dynavax's future value.
- Competitive Interest: On December 28, an unidentified 'Party A' expressed continued interest in Dynavax and sent an unsolicited email to CEO Spencer, highlighting ongoing market interest and potential acquisition competition.
- Management Response: According to a proxy filing, Spencer did not respond to 'Party A's' email and informed the Board, a move that could influence the negotiation process and strategic direction for Dynavax.
See More
Halper Sadeh Investigates Dynavax and Others for Potential Violations
- Legal Investigation Launched: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating Dynavax Technologies Corporation for potential violations of federal securities laws related to its sale to Sanofi for $15.50 per share in cash, which could impact shareholder rights if proven.
- FONAR Transaction Scrutiny: FONAR Corporation shareholders may face potential violations as the company sells Class B common stock for $19.00 per share and Class C common stock for $6.34 per share, raising concerns about conflicts of interest involving the CEO and executives.
- DigitalBridge Transaction Attention: DigitalBridge Group, Inc. is being sold to SoftBank Group Corp. for $16.00 per share in cash, and Halper Sadeh LLC may seek to negotiate increased consideration for shareholders to protect their interests.
- ON24 Transaction Investigation: ON24, Inc. is selling to Cvent for $8.10 per share in cash, and Halper Sadeh LLC may provide legal support to shareholders to ensure transparency and fairness in the transaction.
See More
Monteverde Law Firm Investigates Dynavax Sale to Sanofi, Shareholders to Receive $15.50 per Share
- Shareholder Compensation Investigation: Monteverde Law Firm is investigating the transaction between Dynavax Technologies and Sanofi, with Dynavax shareholders expected to receive $15.50 per share in cash, providing a potential return opportunity that reflects the company's value in the merger context.
- FONAR Transaction Details: FONAR Corporation's Class B common stockholders will receive $19.00 per share, while Class C stockholders will receive $6.34 per share, offering clear cash returns to shareholders and demonstrating transparency in management-led acquisitions.
- DigitalBridge Shareholder Gains: DigitalBridge Group, Inc. shareholders are expected to receive $16.00 per share in cash, indicating that the company has created direct economic benefits for shareholders in its transaction with SoftBank, enhancing market confidence in its future growth.
- ON24 Transaction Overview: ON24, Inc. shareholders are expected to receive $8.10 per share in cash, which not only provides immediate cash flow to shareholders but may also enhance the company's market position in the digital events sector.
See More
DigitalBridge Group, Inc. Investigated for $16 Sale to SoftBank Group Corp.
- Shareholder Rights Investigation: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating DigitalBridge Group, Inc. for its sale to SoftBank Group Corp. at $16 per share in cash, potentially violating federal securities laws and fiduciary duties, which could adversely affect shareholder rights and investment returns.
- Potential Legal Remedies: The firm may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures, and other relief measures aimed at protecting shareholder interests and ensuring transaction transparency, which could lead to better outcomes for investors.
- Investigation of Other Companies: In addition to DigitalBridge, Halper Sadeh is also investigating Amicus Therapeutics and Dynavax Technologies for their respective sales at $14.50 and $15.50 per share, highlighting a broader concern for shareholder rights across multiple firms.
- Legal Fee Arrangement: Halper Sadeh LLC offers contingent fee arrangements, encouraging shareholders to consult on their legal rights and options at no upfront cost, thereby reducing the financial burden on shareholders and increasing their willingness to engage in legal action.
See More
