Universal Flu Vaccine Awaiting Third Trial Phase

Universal Flu Vaccine Awaiting Third Trial Phase
Three 10-dose influenza virus vaccine vials are seen at Ballin Pharmacy in Chicago, Illinois, on Oct. 8, 2004. Tim Boyle/Getty Images
Meiling Lee
Updated:

After more than a decade, researchers have developed a universal flu vaccine that they hope may provide longer-term protection against many different influenza strains, eliminating the need for yearly shots.

Known as the FLU-v, the universal influenza vaccine developed by London-based vaccine manufacturer Seek (or PepTCell Limited) was shown to “promote antibody responses and immune system changes among 175 healthy adults” in a human challenge trial, according to ScienceAlert.