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A/Darwin/6/2021(H3N2)-Like Strain (A/Darwin/11/2021, Wild Type)

Clinical trials are currently underway to assess the effectiveness and safety of an influenza vaccine containing the A/Darwin/6/2021(H3N2)-Like Strain. This strain, specifically A/Darwin/11/2021 (Wild Type), is one of four viral components in the Flucelvax Tetra vaccine. The trials aim to provide valuable insights into the vaccine’s ability to protect against seasonal influenza, particularly the H3N2 subtype.

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What is A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN?

A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN (A/DARWIN/11/2021, WILD TYPE) is a component of the influenza vaccine known as Flucelvax Tetra[1]. This strain is specifically designed to protect against a particular type of influenza virus that belongs to the H3N2 subtype. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, which is why vaccine compositions are updated regularly to match the circulating strains.

Vaccine Composition

Flucelvax Tetra is a quadrivalent vaccine, which means it contains four different influenza virus strains[1]. The vaccine composition includes:

  • A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN (A/DARWIN/11/2021, WILD TYPE)
  • A/WISCONSIN/67/2022 (H1N1)PDM09-LIKE STRAIN (A/GEORGIA/12/2022 CVR-167)
  • B/AUSTRIA/1359417/2021-LIKE STRAIN (B/SINGAPORE/WUH4618/2021)
  • B/PHUKET/3073/2013-LIKE VIRUS (B/SINGAPORE/INFTT-16-0610/2016, WILD TYPE)

Each of these strains is chosen to provide broad protection against the most likely circulating influenza viruses for a given flu season.

How It Works

The A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN, along with the other strains in the vaccine, works by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies against these specific influenza viruses[1]. When you’re exposed to these viruses in the future, your body is better prepared to fight them off, reducing your risk of getting the flu or experiencing severe symptoms if you do get infected.

Administration

Flucelvax Tetra, which contains the A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN, is administered as an intramuscular injection[1]. This means the vaccine is injected directly into a muscle, usually in the upper arm for adults. The typical dose is 0.5 ml, given once per flu season[1].

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of influenza vaccines, including the A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN component, can vary from year to year. This is because the circulating influenza viruses may change or new strains may emerge. However, even when the vaccine is not a perfect match to circulating viruses, it can still provide some protection and may help reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get the flu[1].

Safety

Flucelvax Tetra, including the A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN component, has been tested for safety and efficacy. Like all vaccines, it can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects may include pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches[1]. Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible. Always consult with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of vaccination for your individual situation.

Aspect Details
Vaccine Name Flucelvax Tetra
Manufacturer Seqirus Netherlands B.V.
Viral Strains A/Darwin/6/2021(H3N2)-Like Strain (A/Darwin/11/2021, Wild Type), B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus, B/Austria/1359417/2021-like strain, A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like strain
Administration Intramuscular injection
Formulation Suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe
Dose 0.5 ml
Authorization European Union and Norway
ATC Code J07BB02 (Influenza, purified antigen)

FAQ

  • What is the A/Darwin/6/2021(H3N2)-Like Strain? The A/Darwin/6/2021(H3N2)-Like Strain, specifically A/Darwin/11/2021 (Wild Type), is a component of the influenza vaccine being studied. It represents a specific subtype of the influenza A virus that the vaccine is designed to protect against.
  • What is the purpose of including this strain in the vaccine? This strain is included to provide protection against the H3N2 subtype of influenza A virus, which is one of the common circulating strains that cause seasonal flu. Including current strains helps to make the vaccine more effective against the viruses most likely to cause illness in the upcoming flu season.
  • How is the vaccine administered? The vaccine is administered as a suspension for injection, given intramuscularly (into a muscle). It comes in a pre-filled syringe for ease of use.
  • What other components are in the vaccine besides the A/Darwin strain? The vaccine also includes three other viral strains: a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus, a B/Austria/1359417/2021-like strain, and an A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like strain. These additional strains help provide broader protection against different types of influenza viruses.
  • Who is the manufacturer of this vaccine? The vaccine, known as Flucelvax Tetra, is manufactured by Seqirus Netherlands B.V. It has been authorized for use in the European Union and Norway.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on A/Darwin/6/2021(H3N2)-Like Strain (A/Darwin/11/2021, Wild Type)

  • Study on Long-Term Safety and Effectiveness of Ofatumumab for Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czechia Denmark +15

Glossary

  • Influenza vaccine: A vaccine designed to protect against infection by influenza viruses. It typically contains inactivated or weakened forms of several influenza virus strains.
  • H3N2: A subtype of influenza A virus. The 'H' and 'N' refer to proteins on the virus surface (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase). H3N2 is one of the main subtypes causing seasonal flu in humans.
  • Wild Type: In the context of viruses, this refers to the naturally occurring, non-mutated form of the virus as it is found in nature.
  • Intramuscular injection: A method of administering a substance directly into a muscle. Many vaccines, including this influenza vaccine, are given this way.
  • Suspension for injection: A liquid medication where the active ingredient is not fully dissolved but is suspended as tiny particles in the liquid. It needs to be shaken before use to ensure even distribution of the active ingredients.
  • Pre-filled syringe: A syringe that comes already filled with the correct dose of medication, ready for immediate use. This helps ensure accurate dosing and reduces preparation time.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-long-term-safety-and-effectiveness-of-ofatumumab-for-patients-with-relapsing-multiple-sclerosis/