- Intrexon (XON +8.1%) pushes to session highs amid potential FDA approval for the use of genetically modified mosquitoes in the battle against the Zika virus in Florida.
- Oxitec, a U.K. subsidiary of the U.S. synthetic biology company, says it has been invited by Florida officials to propose a pilot study in the Florida Keys to evaluate the GM mosquito strain's effectiveness in reducing populations of Aedes mosquitoes, which can spread diseases including Zika, dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya.
- Oxitec says efficacy trials in Brazil, Panama, and the Cayman Islands showed that its GM mosquitoes can reduce localized Aedes aegypti populations by more than 90%.
- Florida health officials so far have confirmed 15 non-travel related cases of Zika.