Pfizer announced this week that the first participants in its phase 3 clinical trial for an mRNA-based influenza vaccine have been dosed.
Riding positive phase 2 study results, the company is now starting its late-stage trials which will include approximately 25,000 healthy individuals. While there are many influenza vaccines available on the market, the viral disease still causes between 12,000 and 52,000 deaths in the United States every year according to the CDC.
According to Pfizer, potential advantages of mRNA vaccines for flu over conventional jabs include an improved strain match, more rapid and reliable manufacturing to facilitate seasonal strain changes, and broader immune responses in patients.