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Scientists Test New Universal Treatment for Influenza That Resists Mutations. Learn How It Works, the Results, and Timelines for Human Testing.
Scientists are developing a universal treatment for influenza, effective against various strains, even after viral mutations. The discovery was made at The Jackson Laboratory, after testing in mice in a lab in the U.S.
The experiment involved antibodies that provided long-lasting protection, even when used days after infection.
The goal of the study is to launch a broader alternative than current treatments, which lose effectiveness when the virus undergoes genetic changes.
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Efficacy and Resistance Against Mutations
The researchers applied the treatment using monoclonal antibodies adapted to target the influenza virus.
This treatment resisted viral mutations even after continuous exposure for more than a month.
Tests in animal models demonstrated that the therapy provided protection against nearly all evaluated strains, including highly pathogenic ones like the H7N9 avian influenza.
How the Experiment Was Conducted
- Mice received injections with the antibodies before or after infection with the virus.
- The treatment resulted in survival rates of up to 88%. Even when administered five days after infection, there was a positive outcome.
- The level of virus in the lungs decreased, and symptoms were less severe, demonstrating that the treatment could serve both for prevention and for ongoing cases.
Limitations and Next Steps
Despite the promising results of the treatment, there are challenges to overcome.
So far, testing has only been conducted in mice, and not in humans.
The next step announced by the scientists is to conduct clinical trials that prove the safety and efficacy of the therapy in people.
These studies are essential before any commercial or widespread application.
Potential Impact of the Universal Treatment Against Influenza
If approved for human use, this universal treatment could change the way we deal with seasonal influenza outbreaks.
It could reduce deaths and severe cases, alleviate pressure on healthcare systems, and provide more stable protection, even when the virus changes.
Additionally, this approach could reduce the need for annual updates of vaccines for each new strain—although it would not completely replace traditional immunization.
The combination of the treatment with vaccines would still be important.
Reactions from Experts
Silke Paust, an immunologist at JAX and one of the authors of the study, highlights:
“This is the first time we have seen such broad and lasting protection against influenza in a living system. Even when we applied the therapy days after infection, most treated mice survived.”
This quote reinforces the relevance of the treatment for real cases, as people generally seek medical help after the onset of symptoms.
The new universal treatment for influenza, developed by scientists, demonstrates great potential to tackle various strains of the virus, even the most mutated ones. However, there is still a way to go until application in humans.
Caution, clinical trials, and further studies are necessary.
In the meantime, traditional measures such as annual vaccination, hygiene when coughing or sneezing, and care in ventilated environments remain crucial to prevent influenza.
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