A seasoned scientist from the Institute of Experimental Medicine has announced that researchers are pursuing a mucosal flu vaccine that targets the nasal and oral surfaces. The team is focused on harnessing the body’s immune defenses at the mucous membranes to prevent influenza infection more effectively. Recent updates from the institute indicate that preclinical work on this vaccine is underway using laboratory animals to assess safety, immune response, and preliminary efficacy. Full-scale preclinical testing would follow if funding remains available, allowing researchers to expand the study to a wider array of subjects and conditions. Source: Institute of Experimental Medicine.
The team describes two viable vaccine concepts, one centered on neuraminidase and the other on hemagglutinin, both of which preliminary results have shown promise in early assessments. The researchers note that each option has its strengths, and there is consideration of using one or both approaches in combination as the project progresses. The decision will depend on further data, manufacturing considerations, and funding timelines. Source: Institute of Experimental Medicine.
Earlier communications have documented efforts to evaluate how vaccines affect auditory health, specifically the risk of sudden hearing loss, in relation to COVID-19 vaccines. These investigations aim to understand whether immune responses triggered by vaccines could influence the inner ear, with careful monitoring of any adverse events across study populations. Source: Institute of Experimental Medicine.
In related analyses, a large-scale study has reported an association between vaccination against COVID-19 and a heightened risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in certain groups. The findings prompted ongoing scrutiny of vaccine safety signals and underscored the importance of robust pharmacovigilance as immunization programs continue to expand. Source: Institute of Experimental Medicine.