Translate Bio and Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine unit of Sanofi, have initiated the first clinical trial trial evaluating an mRNA-based investigational vaccine against seasonal influenza.
The partners will evaluate two formulations of the vaccine (MRT5400 and MRT5401) in a U.S.-based phase 1 trial. The 280-subject trial will assess the safety and immunogenicity of the single-strain mRNA-based flu vaccine candidate. The trial follows successful preclinical research, which demonstrated promising safety and immunogenicity.
Translate Bio, a Massachusetts-based clinical-stage mRNA therapeutics company, entered into a collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur back in In June 2018, to develop mRNA vaccines for up to five infectious disease pathogens. The agreement was first expanded in March 2020 to include development of a mRNA vaccine for COVID-19. In June 2020, the two companies decided to jointly pursue novel mRNA vaccines to broadly address current and future infectious diseases.
The companies are expecting interim data from the flu trial by the end of 2021 — the outcome of which will shape their mRNA-based influenza vaccine program and strategy.
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