Influenza infects millions of people annually and causes hundreds of thousands of deaths, disproportionately affecting older adults, young children, and people with chronic health conditions. Despite annual vaccines, flu strains evolve constantly — making a universal vaccine that works across strains a major research priority.
What's actually going on in research
Universal influenza vaccines targeting the conserved stalk region of the hemagglutinin protein — which doesn't change as much between strains — are in late-phase trials and could replace annual strain-matched shots. mRNA flu vaccines are advancing quickly and have shown promise of stronger protection and faster manufacturing to match emerging strains. New antiviral drugs and combinations — including baloxavir paired with oseltamivir — are being tested to reduce hospitalization risk in high-risk patients.
Universal flu vaccine
Vaccines targeting the conserved hemagglutinin stalk, neuraminidase, and other broadly protective antigens are in large trials designed to provide protection regardless of strain.
mRNA influenza vaccines
mRNA vaccine platforms produce faster-manufactured, potentially more effective flu shots; trials are comparing how well they work and how long they last against traditional egg- or cell-based vaccines.
Antiviral combinations
Combining baloxavir (which blocks RNA synthesis) with oseltamivir (which prevents viral spread) is being tested to achieve faster viral clearance and reduce severe disease.
What to know before you search
Eligibility for antiviral trials requires confirmed influenza infection within a defined onset window; vaccine trials depend on prior vaccination history, age group, and risk category.
What types of trials are currently open
- Vaccine trials — Testing new universal, mRNA, and adjuvanted influenza vaccines for improved protection across strains.
- Antiviral trials — Evaluating new antivirals and combination therapy to reduce symptom duration and hospitalization.
- High-risk population trials — Testing vaccine schedules, doses, and adjuvants specifically in older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients.
- Severe disease trials — Testing treatments for critically ill influenza patients including antivirals, immunomodulators, and supportive care.
- Prevention trials — Evaluating pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis strategies for high-risk contacts.
Recently added Influenza trials
Study of TRX-100 Tablets Evaluating the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Food Effect in Healthy Volunteers
This is a Phase 1b, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose escalation study of TRX-100 tablets evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics, and food effect of single ascending doses of TRX-100 in healthy volunteers.
A Study of mRNA-1018-H5 Pandemic Influenza Vaccine in Healthy Adults
The purpose of this study is to evaluate humoral immunogenicity after 2 doses of mRNA-1018-H5, and to evaluate the safety and reactogenicity of mRNA-1018-H5 in adults ≥18 years of age.
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