Acambis' flu vaccine impresses in Ph I study

UK-based Acambis says that preliminary results from a Phase I trial of its influenza vaccine candidate ACAM-FLU-A indicate that it is well tolerated and immunogenic. Additionally, a preclinical assessment conducted by the Cambridge-headquartered firm showed that the product is capable of protecting against the Vietnam 2004 strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

May be immunogenic to all flu A strains

ACAM-FLU-A is a recombinant vaccine in which the stable hepatitis B protein is used present the M2e domain of the M2 ion channel protein expressed on the surface of influenza A strains. Unlike the variable hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins, which are also found on the virus' surface, M2 is highly conserved and therefore is a suitable antigenic candidate to stimulate immunity to all influenza A variants.