IRT-Flu

IRT-Flu is a preclinical universal influenza vaccine candidate developed by Biological Mimetics using its proprietary Immune Refocusing Technology (IRT). The vaccine is designed to provide broad, cross-protective immunity against diverse influenza strains by redirecting the immune system's focus. Traditional influenza vaccines often trigger dominant antibody responses against highly variable regions of the viral hemagglutinin (HA) protein, which necessitates annual updates. IRT-Flu utilizes engineered HA antigens where these variable, immunodominant "decoy" epitopes are masked or removed, thereby "refocusing" the antibody response toward highly conserved, subdominant epitopes, such as the HA stem region. This approach aims to provide durable protection against seasonal and potential pandemic influenza viruses without the need for strain-specific matching.

Other names

IRT-Influenza vaccineuniversal influenza vaccine (IRT)Immune Refocusing Technology influenza vaccine