Developed a universal flu vaccine

Scientists from the U.S. and Britain declare the successful completion of the first phase of clinical trials with a vaccine capable of long-term protection against all types of influenza virus type A. The new drug, it is unnecessary annual update of vaccines for seasonal influenza epidemics. Modern vaccines to help the immune system to recognize viral proteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase surface. Since the structure of these proteins vary due to frequent mutations to the new needs new type of flu vaccine to respond. Vaccine ACAM-FLU-A, developed by Acambis triggers an immune response to another surface protein called M2e. Encodes the structure of the protein, the gene remains intact in all variants of the type A influenza virus - so they can be recognized and destroyed by the immune system of the vaccinated people. ACAM-FLU-Ane can against influenza B, which can also lead to protect outbreaks of disease in humans. However, all of the pandemic, including a possible avian flu H5N1, caused by virus type A. According to WHO, were dying every year from influenza worldwide from 500 thousand to one million people. Phase I clinical studies showed that the vaccine ACAM-FLU-A safe and capable of stimulating the production of antibodies against M2e. In addition, parallel laboratory study showed the possibility of a new drug to reduce the mortality of the animals infected with the Vietnamese strain of bird flu, with 100 and 30 percent. With the improvement of the vaccine formulation (to be used in combination with immunomodulatory drugs) developers intend to proceed with the preparation of a new, expanded testing.