Oral Flu Vaccine Candidate Reduced Influenza Infection in Clinical Study

A clinical-stage biotechnology company announced that its investigational H1 influenza oral tablet vaccine demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the rate of influenza infection.

Additionally, this tablet vaccine candidate compared favorably with the injectable quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) in a Phase 2 challenge trial.

This study reported the Vaxart oral tablet vaccine reduced the influenza infection rate by 48 percent compared to 38 percent with injectable QIV.

Specifically, only 37 percent of the Vaxart subjects developed influenza infection compared with 44 percent who received the injectable QIV and 71 percent who received a placebo.

Wouter W. Latour, M.D., CEO of Vaxart, said: “We believe that our oral influenza vaccine will offer invaluable advantages over currently available injectable vaccines, and could help increase vaccination rates and reduce the significant morbidity and mortality caused by influenza, a major public health objective.”

The new Phase 2 results complement previously reported data demonstrating that the Vaxart oral tablet vaccine protected against influenza disease at least as well as injectable QIV and highlighting the favorable safety and tolerability profile of the Vaxart vaccine.

“Importantly, the Vaxart tablet vaccine is manufactured using standard recombinant techniques rather than in eggs,” said David Liebowitz, M.D., CMO of Vaxart.

Most pharmacies offer FDA approved flu vaccines.

The flu shot cost varies depending on your insurance and which state you live. The CDC Vaccine Price List provides the private sector vaccine prices for general information.

Flu vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects, says the CDC. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.

This clinical study was completed with support from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Vaxart received a $13.9 million contract from BARDA in September 2015 to support the advanced development of more effective influenza vaccines to ultimately improve seasonal and pandemic influenza preparedness. The contract was increased to $15.7 million in 2017.

This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority under Contract No. HHSO100201500034C.

For more information, please visit www.vaxart.com.

For more information about the flu, click here.