CAIV-T, MedImmune’s latest generation of its FluMist nasal spray, was shown to be 55% more effective than the traditional shot in reducing influenza in children six months to 59 months of age.
The influenza attack rate was 8.6% for study participants receiving the flu shot compared to 3.9% for those who received the new nasal spray. The data also showed the spray provided statistically significant improvements in reducing influenza illness caused by both matched and mismatched A strains as compared to the flu shot.
“The objective of this CAIV-T trial was to demonstrate better and broader protection against influenza illness compared to the flu shot in young children,” stated Dr Robert Walker, vice president of clinical development at MedImmune. “We anticipate submitting these data to the FDA by the end of June 2006 to seek an expansion of our label to include children from five years down to six months of age.”