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mRNA Flu Shot Beats Standard Vaccine
20 Nov
Summary
- Pfizer's mRNA flu shot showed superior efficacy in a late-stage trial.
- The mRNA vaccine cut flu-like illnesses by 34.5% compared to standard.
- Faster development time could allow for better strain matching.
A groundbreaking Phase 3 clinical trial has revealed that Pfizer's messenger RNA (mRNA) flu vaccine significantly outperformed the standard flu shot. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that the mRNA vaccine reduced flu-like illnesses by 34.5% compared to its conventional counterpart. This innovative approach utilizes the same technology behind successful COVID-19 vaccines.
The mRNA platform offers a crucial advantage: expedited manufacturing. This speed could enable scientists to select flu strains for vaccines much closer to the start of the flu season, leading to a more accurate match with circulating viruses. Traditional flu shots often face challenges due to mismatches, as strain selection occurs months in advance.
Despite promising results, challenges for regulatory approval may arise, influenced by ongoing debates surrounding mRNA vaccine safety and governmental funding shifts. Pfizer is currently in discussions with health authorities regarding the path to licensure for its mRNA influenza vaccine, while competitors like Moderna also advance their own mRNA flu vaccine candidates.
