April 3rd, NIH Announced first human trial of Universal Flu Vaccine
The new Vaccine is designed to provide “broad, durable protection from flu.”
In it’s first Human Clinical Trial the experimental vaccine is designed to teach the body to make protective immune responses against many influenza subtypes.
If the drug makes it to market this will help reduce the need for yearly flu shots.
“Seasonal influenza is a perpetual public health challenge, and we continually face the possibility of an influenza pandemic resulting from the emergence and spread of novel influenza viruses,” said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.
The clinical trial is being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
“This Phase 1 clinical trial is the culmination of years of research and development made possible by the unique collaborative setting that the VRC offers by bringing together top scientists, manufacturing expertise, and an outstanding clinical team,” said VRC Director John Mascola, M.D.
The NIH is the Nation’s Medical Research Agency and includes 27 Institutes and Centers. It’s a Primary Component of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
The Trial is expected to complete by the end of 2019 and report it’s findings by 2020.
