A universal vaccine effective against several strains of  influenza has passed its first phase of testing, according to Dr. Christine Turley of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Turley, who is director of clinical trials and clinical research at the Sealy Center for Vaccine Development at UTMB and the study’s principal investigator, said that VaxInnate’s M2e universal vaccine could possibly protect against seasonal and pandemic influenza strains.

“We’d characterize this influenza vaccine candidate as very promising, based upon the immune responses and tolerability we saw in the clinical trial participants,” Turley said.  “UTMB is committed to further studies of the vaccine candidate, which has the potential to be a safe, highly effective and much-needed option to prevent seasonal and pandemic influenza A.”

The trial involved 60 young adults in a double-blind, Phase I study to assess the safety of the vaccine and its ability to produce a response in the immune system.  

Release date: August 21, 2008
Source: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston