This site is intended for health professionals only


Flu vaccine results bolster hopes for combating pandemic

by
7 January 2008

Share this article

A vaccine that could overcome the need for annual flu booster jabs has shown promising results in a Phase 1 clinical trial.

Experts from Acambis plc say the vaccine could present a potential tool in the fight against a flu pandemic.

“We are very excited about these new data and believe that this highly innovative vaccine could be very attractive in such a competitive field,” said Ian Garland, Acambis Chief Executive Officer.

The vaccine, ACAM-FLU-A, is a recombinant vaccine linked to a Hepatitis B core protein that targets the M2e conserved region of all influenza “A” strains.

Phase 1 clinical trials show that ACAM-FLU-A is well tolerated and immunogenic.

Michael Watson, Acambis’ executive vice president added: “M2e is one of the most discussed new approaches for influenza vaccination.

“We believe that these results confirm we have an approach worthy of further development.”

Acambis