Novavax had expected full approval for broader use by April 1, after the FDA reviewed data from a 30,000-person clinical trial showing the vaccine was safe and effective. But instead of a broad approval, the FDA asked the company to conduct more research.

Novavax Inc. jumped after US regulators fully approved its Covid vaccine, easing investors’ concerns after the clearance was delayed and US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised doubts about its efficacy.

Nuvaxovid had been available under emergency use authorization but the full approval may allow it to better compete with rival vaccine makers.