Ebola Scare Sends TKMR Shares Soaring

Shares of Tekmira Pharmaceuticals

are continuing to rise following reports that it will be working with the FDA to develop drugs to fight the Ebola virus. While the TKM-Ebola Phase 1 study was placed on hold in July, the latest surge in Ebola outbreaks places renewed interest on furthering treatment options Over the weekend, the FDA stated it"stands ready" to work with companies developing Ebola treatments. The FDA's hold means Tekmira can't continue with the trial placed on hold, but doesn't prevent the company from submitting a new study proposal. And were the company to initiate a new trial in people already infected with Ebola, "the benefit-risk ratio changes completely," according to an FDA source. "Anything that would shift the risk-benefit to a more favorable outcome could potentially allow the authorization of that study." In pre-market trade, Tekmira shares were up more than 10%, a move that follows a nearly 11% advance on Friday.