A drug that is more effective than the vaccine in preventing the flu with a single dose has been developed. The American biotechnology company Cidara Therapeutics announced on the 23rd (local time) that "the flu medication CD388 administered to 5,000 adults showed up to a 76% prevention effect." Once clinical trials are completed and commercialized, it is expected to be an alternative for those concerned about vaccine side effects.
Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The virus cannot be completely eradicated, so it is important to prevent infection and treat symptoms by inhibiting its proliferation. CD388, developed by Cidara Therapeutics, inhibits the neuraminidase (NA) enzyme protein on the virus's surface, preventing the virus's proliferation.
The hemagglutinin (HA) protein on the virus's surface acts as a key for the virus to attach to human respiratory cells, while NA allows the virus to break out of cells after proliferation. The H1N1 strain that spread worldwide in 2009 refers to HA and NA proteins classified as type 5 and type 1, respectively.
The clinical trial was conducted on 5,000 individuals aged 18 to 64. CD388 was administered in different doses of 150mg, 300mg, and 450mg, followed by a 24-week observation. The results showed that higher doses were associated with a greater effect in preventing the flu: 150mg had a 58% prevention effect, 300mg had 61%, and 450mg had 76%. Generally, the preventive effect of the flu vaccine is around 40%. The company reported no significant side effects.
Currently, the most common flu medication is Tamiflu, developed by the American pharmaceutical company Gilead in 1996. Similarly, it inhibits the virus's movement to prevent the progression of the flu. Tamiflu is taken in pill form twice a day for about five days. CD388 only requires a single injection. Jeffrey Stein, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cidara Therapeutics, noted that "CD388 has a long-term preventive effect, so it should be administered once each season."
The flu vaccine functions by injecting a non-toxic virus into the body to stimulate an immune response. This is akin to preparing by experiencing a small number of adversaries in advance, so that the body can respond immediately when a larger force invades. The flu vaccine is administered either by injection or sprayed into the nose.
Some individuals avoid vaccination due to concerns about side effects. U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy propagated the conspiracy theory that "vaccines cause autism." According to Cidara Therapeutics, only 49% of Americans receive a flu vaccine annually.
The company noted that "64% did not get vaccinated during the 2021-2022 flu season, and 5,000 people in the U.S. died from flu-related illnesses," adding that "the medical and socioeconomic expenses due to the flu exceed $11.2 billion (15 trillion won) annually."
Cidara Therapeutics' flu medication may serve as an alternative to vaccines. The company plans to conduct additional clinical trials focused on individuals whose immune systems are weakened or who have chronic diseases, making them particularly susceptible to the flu.