GSK Advances mRNA Flu Vaccine to Late-Stage Trials Following Positive Mid-Stage Results
British pharmaceutical giant GSK has announced promising results from a mid-stage trial of its mRNA-based seasonal flu vaccine, marking a key milestone towards late-stage clinical development. The trial demonstrated that the new vaccine candidate elicited strong immune responses against both influenza A and B strains in both younger and older adults.
The encouraging mid-stage trial results have led GSK to accelerate the vaccine’s development into the final phases of clinical testing. This progress is particularly notable as GSK recently enhanced its mRNA expertise by acquiring CureVac’s interests in influenza and COVID-19 vaccine development.
Under the leadership of CEO Emma Walmsley, GSK is concentrating on expanding its vaccine portfolio and addressing infectious diseases. This strategic focus aims to mitigate the impact of upcoming patent expirations and declining revenue from existing blockbuster drugs.
GSK’s investment in advancing its mRNA technology includes efforts in AI/ML-driven sequence optimization, nanoparticle design, and manufacturing innovations. The company remains committed to enhancing its mRNA capabilities through ongoing research and strategic partnerships.
The recent trials involved testing multiple mRNA vaccine formulations to identify the most effective options for providing superior protection against influenza compared to existing vaccines.