(Reuters) -Novavax shares surged more than 17% before the bell on Monday, following the long-delayed approval of its COVID-19 vaccine from the U.S. health regulator, albeit with new conditions. The U.

Previously granted Emergency Use Authorization, Nuvaxovid is now available for individuals over 12 years of age.

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.