The H5N1 virus, known for its 50% human case fatality rate, has persisted globally for over two decades, causing thousands of infections. The recent outbreaks, including those affecting US dairy cows, have accelerated the development of next-generation vaccines, with mRNA vaccines stepping into the spotlight, aiming to replicate the success achieved during the COVID-19 pandemic, says GlobalData, a data and analytics company.
According to GlobalData, while the majority of the 22 vaccine candidates currently in development rely on traditional approaches, mRNA vaccines make up less than 10% of the pipeline. However, the rapid development and potential efficacy seen during the COVID-19 pandemic signal a significant shift in the H5N1 vaccine landcape.
Eleni Tokali, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While conventional vaccines still dominate, mRNA vaccines could play a pivotal role in future pandemic preparedness efforts. Their speed of development and potential for higher efficacy offer a new dimension in the fight against H5N1.”
One of the most promising candidates in this space is GSK’s investigational influeza vaccine, developed in collaboration with CureVac. This vaccine utilizes second-generation mRNA technology to encode the influenaza A H5 antigen. According to GlobalData, this vaccine is currently in a Phase I/II clinical trial, with completion expected in 2025. Similarly, CSL’s SQ-012, another mRNA vaccine candidate employing self-amplifying mRNA technology, is progressing through Phase I trials with similar aims.
Tokali concludes: “Although mRNA vaccines represent a small portion in the current H5N1 vaccine pipeline, their potential impact on future pandemic preparedness is considerable. Successful development could significantly enhance global efforts to control H5N1, underscoring the transformative role of mRNA technology in infectious disease management.”
