A biotech spun out of Oxford University is aiming to develop a universal flu vaccine and phase 2 trials will be completed by the end of next year.
Vaccitech says the vaccine unlike those now found on the market does not target surface antibodies.
Instead, it works from the center of the virus where there are few components which can change the virus strain. The vaccine takes a novel approach.
Vaccitech's strategy has not been tested to work against the flu before, but company has started trials involving thousands of people.
The tests mark the first time that a universal flu vaccine has progressed beyond phase 1 clinical testing and Vaccitech aims to complete phase 2B testing by the end of next year, he said.
Recently, the biotech start-up raised 20 million pounds (about $28 million) from investors including GV, the venture capital arm of Google parent Alphabet.
