Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (INO Quick QuoteINO - Free Report) and partner GeneOne Life Science, Inc. announced that they have gained approval for the initiation of a phase I study evaluating Zika vaccine, GLS-5700. Inovio’s shares jumped almost 7% following the announcement.

The open-label, dose-ranging study will involve 40 human volunteers and evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of GLS-5700 administered intradermally using Inovio’s proprietary DNA delivery device Cellectra. While dosing is expected to begin over the coming weeks, interim results from the study are anticipated later this year.

Per Inovio’s press release, 58 countries and territories have reported continuing spread of this mosquito-borne virus as of May 2016. Moreover, the incidences of viral infection and medical conditions caused by this virus are increasing rather than diminishing.

Although Zika virus is generally associated with common symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, it can also lead to a severe birth defect called microcephaly which arises from infection during pregnancy. We note that the outbreak of Zika virus was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization earlier this year.

With no approved vaccine or treatment for this virulent virus, companies like Intrexon Corp. among others are also looking to develop Zika vaccines.

Inovio is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock. A couple of better-ranked stocks in the health care sector are ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANIP Quick QuoteANIP - Free Report) and Retrophin, Inc. , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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