Next Generation Nasal Spray Against Influenza

Avir Green Hills Biotechnology (GHB, Vienna, Austria, www.greenhillsbiotech.com) has started the first clinical Phase 1 study for its novel influenza vaccine FLUVACC. FLUVACC is based on the deletion of the NS1 gene. The first eight volunteers were vaccinated in collaboration with the Medical University Vienna at the General Hospital. The protection rate is expected to surpass the rate achieved with currently available vaccines. FLUVACC is administered as an intranasal spray and differs in its method of production from the currently available flu vaccines. In contrast to conventional influenza vaccines, which are manufactured in chicken eggs, FLUVACC is produced in cultured cells (vero cells). The use of reverse genetics allows quick and efficient fine-tuning to circulating virus strains.