Frankfurt: Pfizer-BioNTech said on Thursday it will test a combination vaccine against the coronavirus and flu, which could potentially pave the way for better vaccination uptake for both diseases.
The companies said in a statement that the mRNA-based combination vaccine candidate was ready to advance to phase one in the United States with 180 volunteers.
Inoculation “could simplify immunization procedures against these two respiratory pathogens, potentially leading to better vaccine uptake for both diseases,” said Annaliesa Anderson, head of vaccine research and development at US drugmaker Pfizer.
“Even with existing seasonal flu vaccines, the burden of this virus is severe worldwide, causing thousands of deaths and hospitalizations each year.”
Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech have developed one of the most widely used vaccines in the fight against Covid-19.
Rival vaccine makers Moderna and Novavax have also been testing combined Covid and flu shots.