The Dawn of Universal Vaccines: A Fresh Era in Disease Prevention
South San Francisco, CA – February 12, 2026 – Centivax, Inc. Has dosed the first participants in its Phase 1A clinical trial for Centi-Flu 01, a pan-influenza universal flu vaccine. This milestone signals a potential paradigm shift in how we approach infectious disease, moving beyond reactive, strain-specific vaccines towards proactive, broad-spectrum immunity.
Beyond the Annual Flu Shot: The Promise of Universal Protection
For decades, influenza vaccination has been a yearly ritual, a constant attempt to predict and match circulating strains. This approach is often cumbersome and costly, as highlighted by Dr. Kent Kester of CEPI. Centi-Flu 01, however, represents a different strategy. Unlike traditional vaccines that target the rapidly mutating surface proteins of the virus, Centivax focuses on conserved regions – parts of the virus that remain relatively constant across strains and even subtypes. This “epitope focusing” aims to generate immunity that is both broad and durable.
“For decades, flu vaccination has been reactive,” explains Sawsan Youssef, PhD, founder and Chief Science Officer of Centivax. “A universal influenza vaccine allows us to be proactive—moving from annual guesswork to predictable durable response.”
How Centi-Flu 01 Works: Targeting the Core of the Virus
The Phase 1A trial will evaluate both the safety and immunogenicity of Centi-Flu 01, using the established hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay to measure immune response against a panel of over twenty flu strains. This includes current strains, historical mismatches and even potential pandemic strains. The use of the HAI assay, already a standard for licensing seasonal flu vaccines, provides a clear benchmark for demonstrating the candidate’s effectiveness.
Jacob Glanville, PhD, founder and CEO of Centivax, emphasizes the potential impact: “We are aiming to correct the problem so many of us experience: where, despite taking a flu shot, you still get sick.” He anticipates that positive Phase 1A data will accelerate the company towards the $7 billion annual flu market.
A Platform for Universal Immunity: Beyond Influenza
Centivax’s ambitions extend far beyond influenza. The company’s epitope-focusing platform is being applied to a growing pipeline of vaccines and therapies, including a pan-herpes Alzheimer’s preventative, a broad oncology treatment, a malaria vaccine, and a universal antivenom. Recent research published in Cell details the development of the universal antivenom, further showcasing the platform’s versatility.
This broader vision aligns with a growing understanding of the interconnectedness between pathogens and long-term health. Jerry Sadoff, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Centivax, points to evidence suggesting that vaccines can offer benefits beyond preventing initial infection, potentially reducing the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular events.
Fueling Innovation: Investment and Collaboration
The development of Centivax’s universal immunity platform has been supported by a diverse coalition of investors, philanthropic organizations, and government entities. Funding sources include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Defense (DOD), totaling over $26 million in non-dilutive financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a universal vaccine? A universal vaccine aims to provide broad protection against multiple strains of a virus or pathogen, rather than targeting specific strains like traditional vaccines.
- How does Centi-Flu 01 differ from the annual flu shot? Centi-Flu 01 targets conserved regions of the influenza virus, aiming for durable immunity against a wider range of strains, while the annual flu shot is reformulated each year to match predicted circulating strains.
- What is epitope focusing? Epitope focusing is a method used by Centivax to elicit broad immunity by targeting conserved parts of a pathogen that are less prone to mutation.
- What is the HAI assay? The hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay is a standard test used to measure the level of antibodies in the blood that can block the virus from infecting cells.
Pro Tip: Staying informed about advancements in vaccine technology is crucial for understanding the future of public health. Follow reputable sources like CEPI and the NIH for the latest updates.
Did you recognize? Centivax’s technology was featured in the Netflix docuseries Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak, highlighting the importance of proactive pandemic preparedness.
Learn more about Centivax and their innovative approach to universal immunity at www.centivax.com.
