One-two punch against flu

Developing an influenza vaccine that can protect the population from all strains of the virus is a Holy Grail for vaccine developers. Acambis plc, best known for its smallpox vaccine efforts, last week provided an update on its progress in developing both a pandemic and universal flu vaccine that can be made using a robust manufacturing method.

According to CSO Thomas Monath, the quest involves dual approaches: first to create a pandemic-focused vaccine against all influenza A strains, followed by a program to develop a routine vaccine that would immunize against all strains of influenza A and influenza B. "In both instances it is our intention to make the vaccines using E. coli fermentation, getting away from the need to use eggs," he said...