Influenza kills hundreds of thousands of people globally each year, despite widespread vaccine availability. Current flu vaccines must be reformulated annually to match circulating strains and provide variable protection. Research now focuses on universal vaccines that could protect against multiple flu strains for years, better antivirals, and understanding why some infections turn severe.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing universal flu vaccines targeting parts of the virus that don't change from year to year, newer antiviral drugs including baloxavir marboxil and combination treatments, and monoclonal antibodies for high-risk groups. Researchers are also studying host immune responses to predict and prevent severe disease, particularly in older adults and people with chronic conditions.
Universal vaccines
Several vaccines target the stem of the flu virus's hemagglutinin protein, which changes little across strains. If successful, a single shot could protect against multiple flu types for several years.
Next-generation antivirals
Baloxavir marboxil was FDA-approved in 2018 and works differently than oseltamivir, stopping the virus in one dose. Trials are testing it for prevention and examining combinations with other antivirals.
Severe flu prevention
Studies are identifying biomarkers that predict which infections will become life-threatening. This could allow targeted treatment with stronger antivirals or monoclonal antibodies before complications develop.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on age, flu vaccination history, timing of symptom onset, presence of high-risk conditions, and whether the person is currently infected or being enrolled for prevention.
What types of trials are currently open
- Vaccine trials — Testing universal flu vaccines, improved seasonal vaccines, and different delivery methods including nasal sprays and patches.
- Antiviral treatment trials — Testing new antiviral drugs, different dosing of existing drugs, and combinations to treat active flu infections.
- Prevention trials — Testing monoclonal antibodies or long-acting antivirals to prevent flu in high-risk people during outbreaks.
- Immune response studies — Following people through flu season to understand why some get severely ill and others don't.
- Hospitalized flu studies — Testing treatments for severe flu complications including pneumonia and respiratory failure.
Recently added Influenza trials
Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Ingavirin Forte, Capsules, 90 mg + 20 mg (Valenta Pharm JSC, Russia) Compared With Ingavirin, Capsules, 90 mg, Under Fasting and Fed Conditions.
This study aims to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of the active ingredients Ingavirin forte, capsules, 90 mg + 20 mg (Valenta Pharm JSC, Russia) relative to single-entity Drug Ingavirin, capsules, 90 mg following administration under fasting and fed conditions.
A Clinical Trial Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of AP1189 Versus Placebo as an add-on to Standard of Care in Participants With Respiratory Insufficiency Expected to be Caused by Infection With Respiratory Viruses
A clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once daily oral dosing of 100 mg AP1189 or placebo administered for 14 days, as an add-on to standard of care (SOC) in participants with respiratory insufficiency expected to be caused by respiratory viral infection.
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