Vical has received US Patent No. 7537768, covering the use of influenza virus gene sequences in a universal vaccine that could provide protection against circulating seasonal strains as well as emerging pandemic strains of influenza viruses.
Vical’s DNA vaccine technology can induce both antibody and T-cell immune responses against the target portions of the virus, potentially providing a level of protection not available with conventional influenza vaccines.
In addition, a vaccine based on this approach may have the potential to provide protection against future pandemic threats from new strains of influenza viruses.
The follow-on NP and M2 DNA components could be used in a universal influenza vaccine with the potential to protect against a broad range of circulating or emerging influenza strains.