Universal flu jab ‘could be available within five years’
Scientists said their new vaccine technology targets a part of the virus that does not mutate over time.
A jab that protects against every form of flu could be available within five years, scientists have said, after a “promising” trial in animals.
The influenza virus is constantly evolving so new vaccines are needed each year to keep it at bay.
But researchers in the US said their “innovative” approach targets a part of the virus that does not mutate.
An early trial in monkeys showed the vaccine technology, which was designed based on a 100-year-old virus, generated “a robust immune response” against a modern variant.
The researchers said their work raises hope that a “one and done” vaccine that confers lifelong immunity against an evolving virus could be on the horizon.
Jonah Sacha, a professor at the Oregon Health & Science University in the US, said: “It’s exciting because in most cases, this kind of basic science research advances the science very gradually; in 20 years, it might become something.
“This could actually become a vaccine in five years or less.”
Current flu vaccines target proteins that protrude from the surface of the virus, known as spike proteins.
