On Thursday, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech reported that their vaccine, designed to protect against both the flu and COVID-19, elicited a potent immune response against various virus strains in an early- to mid-stage trial. This is a promising development in the quest to combat these diseases.
The companies have announced their intention to initiate a late-stage trial in the coming months.
Annaliesa Anderson, the Head of Vaccine Research and Development at Pfizer, emphasized, “This vaccine has the potential to mitigate the impact of two respiratory diseases with a single injection and may simplify immunization practices.” German partner BioNTech
During the trial, the vaccine candidates were assessed alongside a licensed influenza vaccine and the companies’ updated COVID-19 vaccine, all administered during the same visit. The trial data revealed that the flu-COVID vaccine triggered strong immune responses against strains of influenza A, influenza B, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, as reported by the companies. This suggests a promising and efficient approach to addressing both diseases simultaneously.
Pfizer (PFE.N) and German partner BioNTech said on Thursday that their vaccine to prevent flu and COVID-19 generated a strong immune response against strains of the viruses in an early- to mid-stage trial.
The companies said they plan to start a late-stage trial in the coming months.
“This vaccine has the potential to lessen the impact of two respiratory diseases with a single injection and may simplify immunization practices,” Annaliesa Anderson, Pfizer’s head of vaccine research and development, said in a statement.