As influenza infections surge across North America, health organizations, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), are urging eligible individuals to get their seasonal flu shots. According to PAHO, which recently reported a rise in influenza-like illnesses in the U.S. and Canada, the flu has spread widely in many parts of the United States as of late December 2024.
Currently, a range of U.S. FDA-approved flu vaccines are available at local pharmacies, offering protection against the prevalent strains of the virus. These vaccines aim to prevent severe infections caused by the influenza A and B viruses, which are the most common seasonal threats.
However, there is growing hope that the next generation of flu vaccines may offer more comprehensive, long-term protection. Pharmaceutical companies are making significant strides in developing a universal influenza vaccine that targets a broader range of flu strains, including those that evolve rapidly each year.
One of the most promising candidates in this arena is OVX836, developed by Osivax. A recent study published on December 11, 2024, in the journal MDPI highlighted the promising results of a Phase 2a clinical trial involving this nucleoprotein-based vaccine. The study reported strong immune responses, both humoral and cellular, as well as preliminary protection of up to 84% against symptomatic influenza after just a single dose. OVX836 demonstrated highly cross-reactive T-cell responses, offering potential protection against multiple influenza A strains, including both seasonal and highly pathogenic avian strains.
Osivax has continued to advance the development of OVX836, with ongoing clinical trials assessing its use as a booster vaccine for individuals previously vaccinated with earlier versions of the Osivax vaccine. The topline results from these trials are expected by the end of 2025, which could bring us closer to a universal flu vaccine.
Dr. Nicola Groth, Chief Medical Officer of Osivax, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “This is a significant step forward in our mission to develop a truly broad-spectrum, lasting flu vaccine that can address the ever-evolving threat of influenza. By studying the effects of a booster dose, we aim to deepen our understanding of OVX836’s potential to provide robust and sustained immune protection.”
Osivax’s work on OVX836 is part of the company’s broader goal of developing a pan-respiratory virus vaccine that could offer protection against all influenza strains in one shot. The company also aims to expand into other infectious disease areas through international collaborations and partnerships.
While the path to a universal influenza vaccine is not without challenges, the progress made so far offers promising signs that such a vaccine could become a reality within the next few years, potentially transforming the fight against seasonal flu and mitigating the risk of future influenza pandemics.
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