Pharmaprojects R&D Pipeline News Feed
Universal influenza vaccine enters Phase I trials
23 Jul 2007
Acambis has announced the initiation of Phase I trials for the first 'universal' influenza vaccine, ACAM-FLU-A, designed to target all A strains of the influenza virus, giving it potential as both a pandemic and a seasonal influenza vaccine.
ACAM-FLU-A is a recombinant vaccine that utilizes a hepatitis B core protein to deliver M2e, the extracellular domain of ion channel protein M2, specific to influenza A. Preclinical studies in mice had promising results and have led to the initiation of this Phase I safety and tolerability trial in the US, where ACAM-FLU-A will be given in combination with aluminium hydroxide or QS-21 adjuvant. Results of this trial are highly anticipated for the end of 2007.
Historically all influenza pandemics have been caused by the more virulent A strain of the virus, whereas seasonal influenza is generally caused by both A and B strains.
Acambis' Executive Vice President, R&D, Dr. Michael Watson said that "by removing the need to re-engineer the vaccine every time the virus mutates, a universal vaccine can be manufactured and used any time of year. It could be stockpiled in advance of a pandemic or potentially used routinely to ensure protection against future pandemics".
