saRNA influenza vaccine (Pfizer)

Pfizer, in collaboration with BioNTech, is developing a self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine for the prevention of influenza. This technology represents an evolution of conventional mRNA platforms; while standard mRNA vaccines provide a template for antigen synthesis, saRNA constructs also encode the cellular machinery (including RNA-dependent RNA polymerase) required for the RNA to replicate itself once inside the host cell. This intracellular amplification allows for significantly higher levels of antigen expression at lower doses compared to modified RNA (modRNA) vaccines. The vaccine candidates specifically target the hemagglutinin (HA) surface proteins of various influenza strains. Pfizer has initiated Phase 1 clinical trials (such as NCT05227001) to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of multiple saRNA constructs in healthy adults, distinguishing this program from their more advanced Phase 3 modRNA influenza vaccine candidates.

Other names

Self-amplifying RNA influenza vaccinesaRNA flu vaccinePfizer saRNA influenza vaccine