Acambis’ Universal Influenza Vaccine Enters Phase I Trial

Acambis announced that it has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of its universal influenza vaccine candidate, Acam-Flu-A.

According to Acambis, Acam-Flu-A is designed to be a universal vaccine candidate targeting all ‘A’ strains of the influenza virus. Therefore, it has the potential to be both a universal pandemic influenza vaccine and part of a universal seasonal vaccine. Historically, influenza pandemics have been caused by ‘A’ strains of the virus while seasonal vaccines target both ‘A’ and ‘B’ strains of the virus.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center U.S. trial will investigate the drug’s safety, tolerability and ability to generate an immune response, the company said.

It will be conducted in approximately 80 healthy subjects between 18 and 40 to assess two adjuvants’ ability to improve the effect of the vaccine on the immune system, the company added.

Acam-Flu-A is the first vaccine candidate being developed under Acambis’ influenza program.

source:danews.com