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.
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Source: Original Article
Publish Date: 2023-05-16 21:56:53