Efficacy of a Plant-Derived Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Influenza vaccines with more-rapid manufacturing processes and improved efficacy are needed. Plant-derived seasonal influenza vaccines can be manufactured within weeks of influenza virus vaccine strain selection. Investigators conducted a multinational, randomized, observer-blind, phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of an investigational (not FDA-approved) plant-derived seasonal influenza vaccine (quadrivalent virus-like particle [QVLP]) in adults (aged 18–64 years) in the 2017–2018 season and comparing the novel vaccine with a commercial egg-derived vaccine (quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine [QIV]) in older adults (aged ≥65 years) in the 2018–2019 season.

In the younger group, 5065 participants received QVLP and 5072 rec…