ETIDIOH - NEW

Significance Anti-influenza therapeutics remain essential for the control of influenza infections , which may require hospitalization for the most severe cases. Hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), the two membrane glycoproteins of the influenza virus, play crucial roles in the viral replication cycle. While many monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors target HA or NA, each faces limitations tied to their individual properties. We developed an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) by covalently linking the NA inhibitor zanamivir to MEDI8852, an HA stem-specific monoclonal antibody . The MEDI8852–zanamivir conjugate targets both HA and NA and offers robust and long-lasting protection in mice against lethal infections with influenza A and B viruses. This approach represents an addition to anti-influenza therapy. Abstract Influenza remains a significant public health threat . Both monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors can target the influenza surface glycoproteins ...

The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the recommendations for the viral composition of influenza vaccines for the 2025-2026 influenza season in the northern hemisphere.  The announcement was made at an information session at the end of a 4-day meeting on the Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines, a meeting that is held twice annually.  WHO organizes these consultations with an advisory group of experts gathered from WHO Collaborating Centres and WHO Essential Regulatory Laboratories to analyse influenza virus surveillance data generated by the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS).  The recommendations issued are used by the national vaccine regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical companies to develop, produce, and license influenza vaccines for the following influenza season.  The periodic update of viruses contained in influenza vaccines is necessary for the vaccines to be effective due to the constant evolving nature of influ...