HVIVO PLC's experimental influenza vaccine FLU-v helped in reducing infection rates and severity and duration of symptoms in a midstage trial.

FLU-v, also known as FLU-v 003, is being developed to provide immunity against multiple influenza strains without the need for annual immunization.

The phase 2b study, which included 176 patients aged 18 to 60, met its main goal of improving the T and B cell immune responses of the patients against influenza infection after 42 days and 180 days after a single vaccination. T and B cells are a type of white blood cells in the immune system that help protect the body against infections.

Additionally, a single dose of the vaccine was shown to induce the strongest immunological response rates and this group experienced a 60% reduction in influenza confirmed infections and an 83% reduction in the number of influenza confirmed cases with severe symptoms compared to placebo.

The London-based company said FLU-v is now ready to be studied in a phase 3 trial.

Imutex Ltd., hVIVO's 49% joint venture with PepTcell Ltd., trading as SEEK Group, is responsible for the development of FLU-v.