Numerous problems with seasonal flu shots have been reported everywhere. Now U.K. biotech Imutex is on the verge to make the next big advance for flu vaccine technology, after a great span of 14 years of work. The company reported the phase 2b clinical trial result, where the universal flu shot, FLU-v has boosted immune responses with low infection rates. Now they are heading towards phase 3 testing. Imutex is the joint venture between drug development organization SEEK Group and clinical research specialist hVIVO.

In phase 2b clinical trial work, FLU-v met its goal of boosting T-cell immune response at 42 days and 180 days after vaccination. The infection rate came down by meeting a secondary endpoint of boosting antibodies in vaccinated patients. Thus, this single adjuvant dose is considered as the "most immunological and efficient." 

U.S. and European Authorities have funded the phase 2 work and they believe that the vaccine could be made available within two years. 

This ‘universal’ shot vaccine is designed to protect against all influenza A and influenza B strains in humans and animals. Hence it is believed that FLU-v could generate $10 billion to $20 billion per year by targeting around 7 billion people. At present, the negotiations of Imutex with other big pharma companies are ongoing.