GSK reports positive results from mRNA flu vaccine trial

The FTSE 100 pharmaceuticals giant said the study, which involved both younger - ages 18 to 64 - and older - ages 65 to 85 - adults, aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of several mRNA vaccine formulations.

It said the vaccines were designed to target influenza A and B strains more effectively than the current standard of care.

The interim results demonstrated that the vaccine candidates met pre-defined success criteria, showing robust immune responses in both age groups.

GSK highlighted that the mRNA platform elicited strong antibody levels and was found to have an acceptable safety and reactogenicity profile, indicating the vaccines were well tolerated across all tested formulations.

The findings built on previous phase two trials, and support the continued development of GSK’s mRNA influenza vaccine program.

Based on the positive outcomes, the company said it planned to advance to phase three trials, bringing the vaccine candidates closer to potential approval.

The phase two trial, registered as study NCT06431607, included 500 participants in total, divided equally between younger and older adults.

It tested various doses of a multivalent vaccine that encoded antigens matched to the three influenza strains recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Results from this study indicated the vaccine could offer enhanced protection against seasonal influenza compared to existing vaccines.

“This marks a significant advancement in our mRNA programme and this data supports moving into late-stage development,” said chief scientific officer Tony Wood.

“Ultimately, our goal is to develop a new best-in-class vaccine to bring greater protection to people through the influenza season.”

GSK recently signed a new licensing agreement with CureVac to assume full control of developing and manufacturing influenza and Covid-19 candidate vaccines.

At 0837 BST, shares in GSK were up 0.54% at 1,663.5p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.