From the Liveblog of
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Pfizer-BioNTech to test combined COVID and flu vaccine
Pfizer-BioNTech says it will test a combined coronavirus and influenza vaccine, which could potentially pave the way for better inoculation uptake for both illnesses.
The two partner companies say in a statement the mRNA-based combination vaccine candidate is set to progress to a phase one trial in the United States with 180 volunteers.
The inoculation “could simplify immunization practices against these two respiratory pathogens, potentially leading to better vaccine uptake for both diseases,” says Annaliesa Anderson, head of vaccine research and development at US drugmaker Pfizer.
“Even with existing seasonal influenza vaccines, the burden of this virus is severe across the world, causing thousands of deaths and hospitalizations every year.”
