Hot on the heels of the COVID pandemic’s official end, National Institutes of Health officials aren’t wasting any time diving into their next mRNA experimental gene therapy program, with a universal flu vaccine being the goal.

“A universal influenza vaccine would be a major public health achievement and could eliminate the need for both annual development of seasonal influenza vaccines, as well as the need for patients to get a flu shot each year,” said Acting NIAID director Dr. Hugh Auchincloss in a news release. “Moreover, some strains of the influenza virus have significant pandemic potential. A universal flu vaccine could serve as an important line of defense against the spread of a future flu pandemic.”

A similar vaccine has been developed already, with early clinical trials showing some promise. NIH officials said adding the mRNA component will make it “more likely to find [a universal vaccine] that is both safe and provides strong and broad immunity against a variety of strains.”

PHASE 1 of the trial will test safety and ability to induce an immune response.

SOURCES:

CNN Health May 16, 2023

NIH May 15, 2023