An experimental nasal spray flu vaccine being developed by a Madison company , based on UW-Madison research, boosted immunity in older adults who also got a flu shot, compared with those who got only a shot, a study found. Nearly half of people ages 65 to 85 who took FluGen’s nasal spray vaccine, called M2SR, along with a high-dose annual flu shot recommended for seniors, generated high levels of protective antibodies, compared with fewer than a third of those who got only the shot, researchers found. In addition, the antibody levels of those who got both types of vaccines were higher.
The people who took the nasal spray along with the shot also had greater immune responses associated with inhaling a vaccine, including T cells and mucosal immunity, the study found. FluGen scientist Mike Moser works on experimental vaccines in this photo from 2020. The findings mean older adults, who are at greatest risk of flu complications but sometimes get less protection from flu shots than younger people, could benefit from getting both a shot and a nasal spray, researchers said.
“Older adults deserve better alternatives to prevent infection, illness and hospitalization from influenza and finally we believe we have one,” FluGen CEO Paul Radspinner said in a statement . “We hope existing manufacturers agree and will be working with them to find ways to make this a reality for patients sooner rather than later.” The company plans additional studies before seeking government approv.