Osivax begins phase 2a booster trial for influenza vaccine

First participant vaccinated in study of ovx836 booster dose

Osivax, a biopharmaceutical company developing vaccines for broad-spectrum protection against infectious viruses, has vaccinated the first participant in its phase 2a clinical trial of OVX836.

This broad-spectrum influenza vaccine candidate is being evaluated as a booster for participants who received OVX836 three to five years ago.

The trial is being conducted at the Center for Vaccinology (CEVAC) at Ghent University Hospital, Belgium, and aims to enrol over 150 participants.

Prof Isabel Leroux-Roels, Principal Investigator at CEVAC and Associate Professor at Ghent University, commented, “We are pleased to support the ongoing evaluation of OVX836 through this Phase 2a influenza booster study. We anticipate important insights that could significantly impact long-term influenza prevention.”

Dr Nicola Groth, CMO of Osivax, added, “This milestone is a significant step forward in our mission to develop a truly broad-spectrum, lasting flu vaccine capable of addressing the ever-evolving threat of influenza. By studying the effects of a booster dose, we aim to deepen our understanding of OVX836’s potential to provide robust and sustained immune protection.”

The single-center trial is a randomised, double-blind study evaluating the immunogenicity and safety of a single dose of OVX836 administered intramuscularly at either 180μg or 480μg.

Participants aged 20-64 who previously received OVX836, Influvac Tetra, or placebo in prior studies will be included. Topline results from the trial are expected by the end of 2025.

OVX836 is a first-in-class influenza A vaccine candidate that targets the nucleoprotein (NP), a highly conserved internal antigen.

Unlike surface antigens, NP is less likely to mutate, providing a broader immune response.

Osivax’s oligoDOM technology enables the design and production of a recombinant version of NP which self-assembles into a nanoparticle, triggering powerful T- and B-cell immune responses.

So far, OVX836 has been tested in five clinical trials with 1,200 participants, showing promising safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy results.