FRANCE — Sanofi, one of the leading vaccine manufacturers globally, has announced that the currently available mRNA technology used in successful COVID-19 vaccines will not be effective against influenza.
The company is now focusing on the development of a next generation of shots to combat influenza.
Early-stage testing of Sanofi’s experimental influenza shot, based on messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, demonstrated a strong immune response against A strains of the virus.
However, it fell short in targeting the less prevalent B strains, which are also responsible for seasonal flu epidemics. Currently, available flu shots are effective against both A and B strains.
In February, rival company Moderna released similar trial results for their mRNA-based vaccine candidate, mRNA-1010.
However, they announced in April that another candidate did not achieve success in a trial. Sanofi’s head of vaccines, Thomas Triomphe, explained that succeeding in mRNA-based flu vaccines requires the next generation of mRNA technology, which is precisely what they are working on.
He compared pursuing the current generation to “throwing spaghetti on the wall.”
The technology upgrade being developed by Sanofi aims to demonstrate a better immune response against B strains, improved lipid encapsulation of mRNA molecules, and longer durability at normal fridge temperatures.
However, Triomphe did not provide a timeline for when such a candidate might be available on the market.
Pfizer initiated a large late-stage trial last year to test an mRNA-based flu vaccine candidate. Additionally, in collaboration with partner BioNTech, Pfizer is conducting an early-stage study to test a combined mRNA shot against both COVID-19 and influenza.
Sanofi, ranked among the top four global vaccine manufacturers by sales, follows GSK, Merck & Co., and Pfizer.
The company offers a wide range of vaccines, including flu shots, childhood vaccines, and travel vaccines.
In 2020, Sanofi’s vaccine sales contributed 7.2 billion euros (US$7.85 billion) to its group sales of 43 billion euros (US$46.76 billion).
Notably, a high-dose version of established protein-based influenza vaccines for the elderly, known as Efluelda or Fluzone, has been a significant driver of sales for Sanofi.
The company reasserted its goal of achieving more than 10 billion euros (US$10.89 billion) in annual vaccine sales by 2030 during an investor event that showcased its vaccine business.
Additionally, Sanofi aims to launch at least five innovative Phase 3 vaccine programs by 2025.
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