FDA approves MedImmune four-strain flu vaccine

FluMist Quadrivalent contains four strains (two type A strains and two type B lineages) to help provide broad protection against circulating influenza A and B.

The quadrivalent vaccine includes strains from both lineages, helping provide protection against both B lineages.

FluMist Quadrivalent was compared to two trivalent formulations of MedImmune’s licensed seasonal influenza vaccine, FluMist (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal) in pivotal clinical studies.

FluMist Quadrivalent had a safety profile generally comparable to the trivalent FluMist formulations, and immunogenicity to individual vaccine strains was comparable in trivalent and quadrivalent formulations.

Further, the addition of the second B strain did not result in immune interference to other strains included in the vaccine, the company said.

MedImmune R&D executive vice president Bahija Jallal said this is the first quadrivalent influenza vaccine approved and MedImmune will take next steps in making this product available to the public.