The pre-market session is witnessing a significant rise in TFF Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: TFFP) stock, which may be attributed to the euphoria of investors after the release of encouraging preclinical results. As of the most recent check, TFFP shares were 4.62% higher on the US stock charts to $2.04.
TFF Pharmaceuticals Advances in Global Influenza Vaccination
In the process of creating a multivalent universal influenza vaccine intended to provide defense against both seasonal and pandemic strains, the business published encouraging preclinical data. To develop this innovative vaccine, researchers are collaborating with Dr. Ted Ross, Global Director of Vaccine Development at the Cleveland Clinic.
According to preliminary findings, intraperitoneal administration of TFF’s dry powder hemagglutinin (HA) antigen vaccine candidates induces protective antibody levels in ferret models and is highly immunogenic. These results lend support to the ongoing development of a self-administered, shelf-stable mucosal universal influenza vaccination that can successfully combat the range of strains that can reappear annually.
TFFP Demonstrates Efficacy in Ferret Models
The research, led by Dr. Ross, demonstrated that the TFF-dry powder HA antigen vaccine candidates induced neutralizing antibody titers against H1 and H3 influenza strains in ferrets, a model widely regarded as the gold standard for evaluating influenza vaccines due to its immunological similarities to humans.
Pre-immune female ferrets were vaccinated intranasally with the TFF-dry powder HA antigen vaccine, in combination with different mucosal adjuvants designed to trigger both cellular and antibody immune responses. In contrast, no immune response was detected in ferrets that received a mock vaccine.
Prospective Advancements and Economic Consequences
The efficacy of the vaccination against a wider variety of influenza A viruses will be evaluated in further research. The results of these studies might aid in selecting an adjuvant for the subsequent phase in the development of this universal influenza vaccine, which aims to protect against over 75% of circulating strains.
The study is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR). The ultimate goal is to develop the vaccine candidate to an Investigational New Drug (IND) application and early clinical trials. The TFF-formulated vaccine presents a lucrative out-licensing possibility for TFF Pharmaceuticals if it proves effective, since it could potentially earn billions in yearly sales.