Researchers at the University of Cambridge and DIOSynVax developed a broad-spectrum bird flu vaccine, DVX-panH5Nx, which provided complete protection in animal trials against diverse H5Nx variants. Current vaccines stockpiled by governments offer only about 50% protection against multiple H5N1 variants. The new mRNA vaccine outperformed these existing options, demonstrating the potential of AI-guided design in vaccine development.
The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, indicates that the AI-engineered vaccine anticipates viral evolution, aiming to provide immunity against a wide range of variants rather than reacting to specific strains. The researchers highlighted that their approach could enhance pandemic preparedness by creating vaccines that protect against both known and emerging threats.
The next phase involves testing DVX-panH5Nx in human clinical trials. The team is also developing a seasonal flu vaccine that aims to deliver broad-spectrum protection over multiple seasons.
Source: genengnews.com · Image: COVID-19 vaccine in NIAID lab freezer by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Start your 7-day trial and see what the database can do →
