Researchers Working On Universal mRNA-Influenza Vaccine Aiming For Baseline Immune Memory For Diverse Strains

Researchers are working on an experimental pan-influenza vaccine based on the famed mRNA technology to provide broad protection.
The two-dose vaccine employs the same messenger RNA (mRNA) technology used in the COVID-19 shots developed by Pfizer Inc PFE & BioNTech SE BNTX, and Moderna Inc MRNA.
Initial animal studies show that the experimental vaccine provided broader protection against all 20 known influenza A and B virus subtypes.
Antibody levels induced by the vaccine remained unchanged for at least four months, according to a report published in the journal Science.
According to a published U.S. study, the results potentially open a pathway to a universal flu shot that might help prevent future pandemics.
It delivers tiny lipid particles containing mRNA instructions for cells to create replicas of so-called hemagglutinin proteins that appear on influenza virus surfaces, Reuters reported.
Moderna and Pfizer have mRNA flu vaccines in late-stage human trials, and GSK Plc GSK and CureVac NV CVAC are testing an mRNA flu vaccine in an early-stage safety trial in humans.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay