Pharma firms eye mRNA technology for influenza vaccines

Published On 2021-10-17 03:30 GMT | Update On 2021-10-17 03:30 GMT

New Delhi: With Covid-19 proving the credibility of mRNA technology, many drug companies are racing to apply the same formula for developing vaccines for influenza, Nature reported.

While Moderna, Pfizer and Sanofi have, in recent months, initiated Phase 1 trials of mRNA-based seasonal flu vaccine candidates, more companies intend to follow their leads next year.

However, unlike Covid-19, mRNA-based flu shots could also prove a more challenging test as nine flu jabs from four different vaccine manufacturers are already available in the US alone.

Although the shots built around inactivated viruses or recombinant proteins are safe, they typically offer only 40-60 per cent protection from infection.

At the same time, mRNA-based jabs might produce broader immune responses, better sequence fidelity of proteins, and accurate strain selection. Moreover, the technology makes it easy to incorporate large numbers of antigens -- all of which could translate into greater immune protection, the report said.

But mRNA is also prone to tolerability issues, as seen in Covid shots developed by Moderna and Pfizer -- they often cause sore arms, headaches, low-grade fevers and fatigue. These same symptoms can occur with approved flu shots, but typically are much milder in degree.

On the other hand, the potential benefits of mRNA for preventing flu are many, majorly because of how it is manufactured.

"Because mRNA vaccines are manufactured synthetically, by encoding a target antigen sequence into a plasmid template, they offer high fidelity: encoded antigens exactly match the flu strains selected for each year's vaccine. By contrast, inactivated virus vaccines that are made in egg- and cell-based systems often suffer from sequence mutations that weaken their effectiveness," the report said.

The recombinant protein vaccines also offer that same fidelity advantage, but the manufacturing process for these is comparatively cumbersome.

The flexibility and speed of mRNA vaccine production also means that drug makers could wait longer to begin manufacturing -- starting production in May, say, instead of February, for the northern hemisphere. This would enable them to make more informed decisions about what strains to include, the report said.

Article Source : IANS

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

MD Bureau

Medical Dialogues Bureau consists of a team of passionate medical/scientific writers, led by doctors and healthcare researchers. Our team efforts to bring you updated and timely news about the important happenings of the medical and healthcare sector. Our editorial team can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Pharma firms eye mRNA technology for influenza vaccines

Similar News

Indian pharma market registers 7.9 percent growth in July: Report

Aragen appoints Aniel Khubchandani as CEO of Development and Manufacturing Solutions business

Mounjaro, Wegovy sales in India double on month in July

Eli Lilly Gets CDSCO Panel Nod for Ixekizumab Safety Label Update

CDSCO Panel Approves New Indications for Novo Nordisk's Semaglutide, Mandates PMS Study

Intas Pharma Gets Expert Panel Nod For PMS Data On Tofacitinib Ointment In Atopic Dermatitis

Axplora invests Euro 6.5 million to expand production capacity at Vizag site

NPPA Slapped Rs 9,950 Cr Penalty On Pharma Firms, Recovered Only 14.25%