Moderna has administered the first doses of its investigational mRNA-1010 influenza vaccine in a Phase 1 clinical trial. This next-generation vaccine is engineered to target the four influenza strains that circulate seasonally each year.
mRNA vaccines, like those proven effective against COVID-19, use lipid nanoparticles to deliver messenger RNA encoding a viral protein—such as the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein—directly into cells. Our cells read this genetic code, produce the protein, and train the immune system to recognize and neutralize the virus.
The concept of mRNA vaccines has been explored in labs for decades, but financial hurdles slowed progress. The COVID-19 pandemic changed that, with massive investments accelerating development. Vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech demonstrated exceptional efficacy, validating the technology's potential.
What was once experimental is now poised to transform vaccination strategies. Influenza stands to benefit greatly from this advancement.
Moderna announced the start of its Phase 1 trial for mRNA-1010 on Wednesday. The study will enroll about 180 participants to evaluate safety, immunogenicity across dose levels, and overall immune response.
Influenza viruses mutate rapidly, with multiple strains circulating simultaneously, which is why we face it annually.
Each year, experts predict dominant strains and produce vaccines by growing viruses in cell cultures or chicken eggs, then inactivating them for injection. This process trains the immune system to recognize the virus.
However, virus cultivation takes time, requiring manufacturers to begin production six months in advance based on forecasts. Consequently, current flu vaccines achieve at best 60% effectiveness. mRNA technology promises faster development and superior protection.
Moderna isn't alone: Sanofi and Translate Bio launched a similar trial this summer. Looking ahead, Moderna envisions combination vaccines offering protection against flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses in a single annual shot. "Our vision is to develop a combination mRNA vaccine so that people can be injected every fall for high efficacy protection against the most problematic respiratory viruses," stated Stéphane Bancel, Moderna's CEO, in a press release.
