NIH Enrolling mRNA Universal Flu Vaccine Trials

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NIH Enrolling mRNA Universal Flu Vaccine Trials


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

 

Source: Original Article

Publish Date: 2023-05-16 21:56:53