Universal Flu Vaccine Begins Two-Year Clinical Trial

Researchers at the University of Oxford have begun a two-year clinical trial to test a universal influenza (flu) vaccine in more than 2,000 patients. The vaccine, developed by Oxford University’s Jenner Institute and Vaccitech, a biotech company founded by Jenner scientists, works by using proteins found in the core of the virus that remain stable, rather than those on its surface that mutate all the time. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to boost virus-killing T cells instead of antibodies. Previous research has shown that T cells can help fight more than one type of flu virus. The researchers are hoping the vaccine will provide better and longerlasting protection when used along with the seasonal flu shot. “We’re hoping it will last two to three years — maybe even four years — but we don’t really know until we do the trials,” said Tom Evans, Vaccitech’s chief executive.

The vaccine has already been tested for safety in earlier trials. The new mid-stage Phase IIb testing will recruit at least 500 British subjects this season with the remainder to be recruited during the 2018-19 flu season. It is the first time a universal flu vaccine has progressed beyond Phase I clinical testing.