Promising Start: Clinical Trial of Universal mRNA Influenza Vaccine Set in Motion
Introduction
The standard flu vaccine is not always effective in preventing influenza. It’s because the viruses that cause the flu can mutate rapidly and frequently. Scientists have long sought a universal flu vaccine that would protect against all flu strains and eliminate the need to develop a new vaccine every year. A team of researchers has now made a promising start in developing such a vaccine. They have launched a clinical trial of a universal mRNA-based flu vaccine that could be used to protect against a wide range of flu viruses.
What is mRNA?
Before delving into the details of the trial, let’s quickly discuss what mRNA is. mRNA (messenger RNA) is a molecule that plays a key role in protein synthesis. It carries information from the DNA in our genes to the ribosomes, which are the protein-making machines in our cells. The ribosomes read the mRNA code, then create the proteins that our bodies need to function properly. Scientists can use mRNA to deliver instructions to our cells that tell them how to make specific proteins. This technology has been used to develop COVID-19 vaccines and is now being tested for the influenza vaccine.
The Promise of a Universal Flu Vaccine
The current flu vaccine is made by growing the virus in chicken eggs or cells, then purifying and inactivating it. However, the virus can still mutate during this process, which can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine. In addition, the vaccine only provides protection against a few strains of the flu virus, which means that it needs to be updated every year. A universal flu vaccine would be a game-changer in the fight against the flu. It would provide protection against multiple strains of the flu virus, eliminating the need for annual flu shots.
The Clinical Trial
The clinical trial of the universal mRNA-based flu vaccine is being conducted by Moderna, a biotechnology company that also developed one of the COVID-19 vaccines. The trial is taking place in the United States and will involve approximately 180 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 70. The vaccine uses mRNA to instruct cells to produce a protein found on the surface of most flu viruses. This protein is known as the hemagglutinin stalk. By generating an immune response to this protein, the vaccine could provide protection against a wide range of flu viruses.
The Potential Benefits of the Universal Flu Vaccine
If the clinical trial is successful, the universal flu vaccine could have several benefits. It could eliminate the need for annual flu shots, thus saving time and money for healthcare providers and patients alike. It could also provide protection against multiple strains of the flu virus, including those that are currently not covered by the standard flu vaccine. In addition, the technology used to develop the vaccine could be adapted to create vaccines for other infectious diseases, such as HIV and Zika.
Conclusion
The clinical trial of the universal mRNA-based flu vaccine is a promising step forward in the quest for a more effective and comprehensive flu vaccine. If successful, this vaccine could revolutionize the way we protect against the flu, providing protection against a wide range of flu viruses without the need for annual shots. The trial is still ongoing, and we do not yet have an idea of the trial’s final results. However, the early signs are positive, and we can only hope that the vaccine will prove effective and become available soon.[1] #HEALTH