NewLink Genetics Sinks On Temporary Halt Of Ebola Trial

NewLink Genetics Corp NLNK shares fell sharply after a trial of its Ebola vaccine was temporarily halted over safety concerns at a Swiss hospital

University of Geneva Hospital halted the Phase I trial "as a precautionary measure" after four patients in the study developed joint pain, according to a report by Reuters that said the trial will resume next month.

Marie-Paule Kieny, vaccine expert at the World Health Organization, said after the delay the trial will continue as originally planned, according to Reuters.

NewLink announced a licensing agreement with Merck covering the Ebola vaccine last month and said the U.S. National Institutes of Health will launch a Phase II trial of the vaccine in early 2015.

NewLink changed hands recently at $35.63, down 3.4 percent.