Sanofi Pasteur presents research on universal influenza vaccine

Sanofi Pasteur has showcased its work on the development of a potential universal influenza vaccine at the World Vaccine Congress.

The company attended the conference in Madrid to share its progress of the creation of broadly cross-reactive antigens against seasonal and pandemic influenza. This contrasts with current licensed vaccines, which protect against three to four strains determined before the production process begins each year.

Sanofi Pasteur is working with the University of Georgia on a method that could yield a novel, synthetic vaccine based on the haemagglutinin protein, which is designed to protect against seasonal influenza strains spanning several years.

Targeting common sequences many flu viruses share, this approach would offer broader coverage against several seasonal flu strains, while ending the reliance on annual strain selection, thus allowing for year-round manufacturing.

Olivier Charmeil, president and chief executive officer of Sanofi Pasteur, said: "As the world's leader in the production of influenza vaccines, Sanofi Pasteur's ambition is to drive innovation and to shape the future by exploring several of the leading influenza vaccine strategies."