Mean HI titers for both the H1N1 and universal vaccine groups were measured to be significantly greater than 1:40 against 2009 H1N1 pandemic strains and seasonal H1N1 strains (ranging from 1:104 to 1:747). Moreover, the universal vaccine group also generated strong mean HI titers against the H3N2 strains (> 1:80). Testing of HI titers against H2N2 viruses is on-going.

Both sets of ferrets were subsequently challenged with the A/H1N1 Mexico/InDRE/4487/2009 virus. 100% of the vaccinated ferrets in both the H1N1 and universal vaccine groups survived the swine flu A/H1N1 challenge. In contrast, 75% of the animals in an unvaccinated control group died by day 10 following the challenge. The vaccinated animals were also protected from morbidity, as judged by their negligible average loss in body weight of less than 7% through the challenge period, whereas the unvaccinated animals lost as much as 17% of their body weight.

Dr. Sardesai stated in his presentation, We continue to build an impressive and compelling set of evidence validating our universal influenza vaccine concept. This data showing broadly cross-protective antibody titers against multiple sub-types and unmatched strains of seasonal and pandemic influenza adds to our previously announced H5N1 avian flu and H1N1 pandemic flu virus data that highlighted similarly compelling protective results in mice, ferrets, and non-human primates. The consistently positive test results we are achieving with our consensus influenza vaccines are very encouraging.

Source: Inovio Biomedical Corporation