CureVac and GSK begin phase 1 trial for mRNA flu vaccine candidates

Betsy Goodfellow | May 9, 2023 | News story | Medical Communications |  CureVac, GSK, Virology, clinical trial, mrna, vaccines 

CureVac and GSK have announced that the first patient in the phase 1 section of their combined phase 1/2 trial for multivalent, modified mRNA seasonal flu vaccine candidates has been dosed. The candidates have been developed in collaboration between the two companies.

The vaccine candidates in the trial address all four of the WHO-recommended flu strains. This combined phase 1/2 trial aims to assess the safety, reactogenicity and immune responses of the mRNA-based, modified, multivalent influenza vaccine candidates.

A previous phase 1 trial of a monovalent, modified mRNA seasonal flu vaccine candidate in older and younger adults provided preliminary data which showed a favourable tolerability profile with no concerning safety signals. It also suggested a strong hemagglutinin inhibition immune responses in line with licensed flu comparator vaccines beginning at the lowest tested dose.

Dr Myriam Mendila, chief development officer of CureVac, commented: “Our clinically validated technology platform and second-generation mRNA backbone give us great confidence as we continue clinical development of novel vaccine candidates to address seasonal flu. There are still unmet needs as seasonal flu is ever-evolving and immune responses to current vaccines remain a challenge, particularly in older adults. The flexibility, speed and scalability of CureVac’s end-to-end mRNA capabilities position us well to develop and deliver seasonal flu vaccines together with GSK that combat dominant strains of the season as they emerge.”

Betsy Goodfellow