mRNA vaccines lead efforts to combat H5N1, says GlobalData

The recent outbreaks of the H5N1 virus have accelerated the development of next-generation vaccines, with mRNA vaccines surfacing, 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 signals a significant shift in the H5N1 vaccine landscape.

Eleni Tokali, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, commented: “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 influenza vaccine, developed in collaboration with CureVac. This vaccine utilises second-generation mRNA technology to encode the influenza 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 concluded: “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.”