Madison Reporter

A unique influenza vaccine candidate that is inhaled and based on technology developed by University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers has shown promise in bolstering protection against seasonal and pandemic influenza. This was demonstrated in a randomized, controlled trial involving 65- to 85-year-olds in 2022, with the findings recently published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases.

The vaccine candidate, FluGen’s M2SR, differs from traditional flu shots. It uses live virus with an essential replication gene deleted from its DNA and is administered via nasal spray. "It can’t continue replicating and make you sick, but it stimulates the immune system just like a natural virus infection," explained Pamuk Bilsel, who led the study as chief scientific officer for FluGen.

In 2022, more than 300 participants aged between 65 and 85 were involved in the trial to assess both safety and immune response. The study had four groups: one received only the annual high-dose flu shot; another received only the nasal spray candidate; a third group received both; and a fourth group received the regular shot along with a nasal spray placebo.

Participants who received both vaccines showed significantly higher levels of protective antibodies compared to those who received only the flu shot. "They got not just the antibodies that those normal flu shots give you, but also local immunity, mucosal immunity, and T-cell immunity," noted Bilsel.

The data suggest that administering both vaccines could offer better protection against seasonal influenza and potential pandemic strains such as H5N1 avian influenza. Larger studies are planned to confirm these findings over the next few years.

"Older adults deserve better alternatives to prevent infection, illness, and hospitalization from influenza," said Paul Radspinner, CEO of FluGen. "We hope existing manufacturers agree and will be working with them to find ways to make this a reality for patients sooner rather than later."

This research was supported by the Department of Defense (W81XWH2110563). The content does not necessarily represent DOD's official views.