Moderna has begun clinical trials for a flu vaccine that uses the same mRNA technology used in COVID-19 vaccines today.
The Massachusetts-based company said 560 participants would be given a single dose.
It will then be monitored for side effects and immune response to seasonal challenge in Phase 1/2 studies.
The vaccines, called mRNA-1020 and mRNA-1030, are designed to target a variety of influenza strains, including the H1N1 strain known to cause pandemics.
It’s Moderna’s second and third mRNA-based flu vaccine to enter clinical trials, and the only vaccines that target the two types of spike proteins the virus uses to invade cells.
The vaccines, called mRNA-1020 and mRNA-1030, are just one of two types of hedgehog the virus uses to invade cells. Others focus on only one (stock)
After the technology has been successfully applied in Covid shots, vaccine manufacturers are racing to develop an mRNA-based flu vaccine.
Current flu vaccines that use attenuated or inactivated pathogens are only 40 to 60 percent effective against infections caused by the virus.
But the scientists hope that mRNA-based injections, which activate an immune response by stimulating cells to produce flu proteins, may offer further protection.
They say vaccines contain fewer errors in their code because they’re made in the lab rather than eggs, like current injections that could improve protection.
Vaccines using mRNA technology can also be developed at a later date than standard annual vaccines.
Traditionally, manufacturers begin producing their annual flu vaccine for the coming winter in February, when the World Health Organization estimates the dominant strain of the season.
But because mRNA is easily modified, some scientists say lampreys using this technology won’t be produced until May.
Moderna did not say in which countries the vaccines will be tested for phase 1/2 clinical trials.
They target spike proteins produced by hemagglutinin, a type of spike protein the virus uses to invade cells.
However, unlike other vaccines, they will also target neuraminidase, which the virus uses to exit one host cell and invade another.
Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said the company is “pleased” that mRNA technology is being used in flu vaccines.
“We believe that by targeting the highest flu proteins, we can achieve broader immunity and greater vaccine efficacy against circulating flu strains than traditional flu vaccines,” he said in a statement.
“We expect the flexibility of our platform to target multiple strains, coupled with our ability to rapidly produce it, will facilitate the production of a vaccine that matches the dominant flu strain in circulation.”
Other companies, such as Pfizer and Sanofi, are also working on mRNA-based flu vaccines.
Pfizer’s needle entered Phase 1 trials last September and results are yet to be announced, while Sanofi’s needle has been moved to Phase 3 trials.
Data from phase 1/2 studies showed that the vaccine produced antibodies against influenza after two injections. No security issues were reported.
After countries have invested heavily in technology as well as traditional methods, Covid has revolutionized vaccine production.
More than nine out of ten Covid vaccines distributed in the United States have used mRNA technology, or 545 million doses.
Influenza causes up to 650,000 deaths and five million serious cases requiring hospital care each year worldwide.
Source: Daily Mail
I am Anne Johnson and I work as an author at the Fashion Vibes. My main area of expertise is beauty related news, but I also have experience in covering other types of stories like entertainment, lifestyle, and health topics. With my years of experience in writing for various publications, I have built strong relationships with many industry insiders. My passion for journalism has enabled me to stay on top of the latest trends and changes in the world of beauty.
