A novel universal flu vaccine that protects with a vaccination against multiple influenza strains, has just completed an important clinical study: It was well tolerated and the immune system of the Vaccinated has responded. In the following the last round of clinical Tests, he must now prove its effect and final proof.

The vaccine, called FLU-v has passed the clinical trials phase I and phase II is successful, in which its security is proved, and the first notes were collected on the effectiveness: In 175 healthy adults up to six months after vaccination, Influenza-specific cells of the immune system are activated and antibody reactions caused. Such a lasting reaction is of great value, since the influenza virus changes quickly, what is it that makes so far a year a new vaccination is required.

To work around this, the developers have focused on the vaccine properties of influenza virus, which change all the time. "FLU-v contains four different components, four different characteristics of the flu virus. If a changes, three continue to wirksam", Olga Pleguezuelos, who was involved in the development said.

Different approach than üstandard flu vaccines

The vaccine works on a completely different principle than the previous: Instead of the antibody to stimulate the production of immune cells, called T cells, which trigger a chain of events in the immune system, which eventually stop the infection. This new approach had been proven in animal experiments. In a third, larger Phase of clinical testing of the vaccine has to prove his lasting effect.

For many years, scientists are working on a universal flu vaccine, but so far the production has not succeeded yet. Amesh Adalja, an infectious-disease specialist at the Johns Hopkins University, said: "It is an old joke that the universal flu vaccine is always five years. But I think this time he really is coming in the next five years."

ZOU