# 2459
While we often hear that flu viruses mutate constantly- and it is for that reason we need a new flu shot every year - there are portions of the virus that remain relatively stable.
One such area is called the M2 region, and it differs little from one flu virus to the next, making it an attractive target for a universal flu vaccine. Traditional flu vaccines target the hemagglutinin (HA) segment of the virus, which is unique to each strain and mutates often.
This representation of an influenza virus shows the HA (hemagglutinin) surface proteins as blue spikes and the M2 genes as silver balls in the interior of the virus.
Image From the Wikipedia
VaxInnate, Inc. of Cranbury, N.J is one of several biotech companies working to develop a universal vaccine by targeting the M2 segment of the virus.
VaxInnate tested their vaccine at 4 different strengths; 0.3, 1, 3, and 10 mcg and found the vaccine safe and that it elicited a strong immune response even at the lowest doses.
The higher doses were associated with "flu-like symptoms in some of the subjects", however.
While encouraging, these are phase I trials, and more research will be required before we know if this approach will be viable.
Robert Roos of CIDRAP News brings us more detail on these early results.
Firm says 'universal' flu vaccine passed early test
Robert Roos
News Editor
Nov 11, 2008 (CIDRAP News) – A vaccine designed to offer protection against many strains of influenza viruses appeared safe in low doses and triggered a satisfactory immune response in a phase 1 clinical trial, the vaccine's developer announced recently.
The vaccine, made by VaxInnate Inc., Cranbury, N.J., targets the M2 protein of influenza A viruses, a surface protein that differs little among different strains of type A. Existing flu vaccines target hemagglutinin (HA), a flu surface protein that often mutates, making it necessary to change the vaccine each year to cover the predominant strains in circulation. A vaccine targeting a protein found in all or most flu strains could reduce or eliminate the need to change the vaccine each year.
The company reported the results in an Oct 26 press release and at the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy/Infectious Diseases Society of America (ICAAC/IDSA) meeting, held Oct 24-28 in Washington, DC.
"VaxInnate's M2e universal flu vaccine candidate has passed a critical initial test," David Taylor, MD, the company's chief medical officer, said in the news release. "We're encouraged by these data, which demonstrate that the vaccine is safe and elicits potent immune responses at doses below a microgram [mcg] of vaccine antigen, and does so without the use of conventional adjuvants."
Related Post:
Widget by [ Iptek-4u ]