Poolbeg Pharma PLC (AIM:POLB, OTCQB:POLBF) said it has completed the first clinical trial for its new flu jab POLB 001 with no safety issues.
A full read-out of the data is expected in the second quarter of 2023, after which Poolbeg said it will look for a partner to take it through the next trial stages.
Dublin-based Poolbeg said the challenge trial was designed to evaluate the effect of POLB 001 on inflammatory responses in 36 healthy volunteers between 18 and 55 years of age following an intradermal and an intravenous Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge.
LPS acts as a surrogate for the hyperinflammatory response associated with severe influenza and other diseases.
POLB 001 is a unique potential treatment for viruses such as severe influenza as it is strain agnostic, unlike other flu treatments and prophylactics, Poolbeg said.
In a statement, Jeremy Skillington, Poolbeg’s chief executive, commented: " We have completed our first trial on schedule, achieving a key milestone for Poolbeg, thanks to the committed efforts of the team. We are actively planning the next steps for POLB 001 and are engaging with industry on potential partnering opportunities.
"The threat of influenza shouldn't be underestimated. Cases are on the rise - the WHO estimates that there are 3-5mln severe influenza cases globally per year, with real pandemic potential.”