CureVac Reports Positive Phase 2 Results for Influenza Vaccine in Collaboration with GSK

CureVac N.V., in partnership with GSK, unveiled encouraging phase 2 interim findings from their research on a seasonal influenza vaccine. The vaccine candidate successfully elevated antibody titers for all WHO-recommended influenza strains at every dosage in both younger and older adults. Notably, for influenza A strains, the vaccine demonstrated higher geometric mean titers compared to those elicited by licensed vaccines across all age groups and dosages. However, the geometric mean titers for influenza B were lower, aligning with the expectations set by other initial mRNA-based influenza vaccine studies. CureVac plans further phase 2 studies to refine the vaccine's effectiveness against influenza B strains.

The candidate vaccine, featuring CureVac's second-generation mRNA technology, aims to offer broad protection by encoding antigens for all four WHO-recommended flu strains. Safety assessments revealed that the vaccine was generally well tolerated, with the majority of adverse events being mild to moderate within a week of administration. This phase 2 trial, which evaluated the vaccine's reactogenicity, safety, and immunogenicity across 960 healthy adults, aims to fine-tune the dosage levels of a modified, multivalent vaccine candidate in comparison to standard and high-dose licensed flu vaccines for different age groups.

Dr. Myriam Mendila of CureVac expressed optimism about the vaccine’s platform and its potential, particularly for combating influenza A strains, and anticipates improvements for targeting influenza B strains. This phase 2 data marks a significant step in developing a potentially impactful seasonal flu vaccine leveraging mRNA technology.