Vaxart is testing an oral H1N1 influenza tablet which could replace the flu shot.

The Lancet Infectious Diseases published an article on the company’s Phase 1 clinical trial results for its oral H1N1 influenza vaccine.

Vaxart’s tablet vaccine showed increased immunity comparable to increases reported for current influenza vaccines. The Vaxart tablet vaccine also showed good safety and tolerability. There were mild side effects similar to those found in the placebo group.

“It is very encouraging to see this level of protective immunity after just one dose of an oral flu vaccine,” said Dr. William Schaffner, professor of preventive medicine and professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn. “These early Phase 1 study results suggest the room temperature-stable tablet vaccine may be as protective as currently marketed influenza vaccines, while offering substantial advantages in distribution and ease of administration.”

The trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 24 healthy volunteers ages 18-49. Patients received a single dose of either the placebo or the Vaxart H1N1 tablet vaccine.

HAI titers are used to determine protective immunity. 92 percent (11 of 12) of those vaccinated with the tablet showed increases of HAI titers of 400% or more. None of those receiving the placebo saw an increase.

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