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mRNA Vaccine Technology Expands Beyond COVID-19 to Include RSV, Influenza, and Cancer Treatments

mRNA Vaccine Technology Expands Beyond COVID-19 to Include RSV, Influenza, and Cancer Treatments

mRNA vaccine technology, initially prominent for COVID-19, is now being applied to a broader range of infectious diseases and cancer treatments. These vaccines utilize messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct cells to produce specific antigens, thereby stimulating an immune response. The mRNA is delivered into cells encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles, which protect the RNA strands and aid absorption. Currently, mRNA vaccines are in clinical and commercial use for COVID-19, with annual updates targeting circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. Moderna's mRESVIA is approved for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in adults aged 60 and older, with expanded authorization for high-risk individuals aged 18 to 59. Additionally, Moderna's mRNA-1010 (mFLUSIVA) influenza vaccine has received FDA approval, and combined flu-and-COVID booster shots are in late-stage clinical trials. Beyond infectious diseases, personalized mRNA cancer therapies, such as Moderna and Merck’s mRNA-4157, are in late-stage clinical trials for melanoma and a...
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SVF Vaccines and Orexo Collaborate to Develop Powder-Based mRNA Vaccine Formulations

SVF Vaccines and Orexo Collaborate to Develop Powder-Based mRNA Vaccine Formulations

SVF Vaccines, a portfolio company of KDventures, has initiated a research collaboration with Orexo AB, a Swedish pharmaceutical company. The partnership aims to explore the use of Orexo’s proprietary AmorphOX® technology to create stable powder-based formulations of lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated messenger RNA (LNP-mRNA) vaccines. This collaboration seeks to address the challenges associated with the storage and distribution of current mRNA vaccines, which rely on lipid nanoparticles to protect mRNA and facilitate its delivery into cells. The initial phase of the program will focus on in vitro feasibility studies to determine if LNP-mRNA formulations can be spray-dried using AmorphOX® while maintaining critical nanoparticle properties and functional mRNA activity. According to Viktor Drvota, CEO of KDventures, this collaboration represents a strategic step for SVF Vaccines in advancing its vaccine technologies through partnerships.
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Exclusive-CDC chief says agency will not change measles response if US loses elimination status

Exclusive-CDC chief says agency will not change measles response if US loses elimination status

By Yasmeen Abutaleb WASHINGTON, Nov 10 (Reuters) - The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will not fundamentally change its response to measles outbreaks even if the US loses its measles elimination status this month, CDC Director Dr Erica Schwartz told Reuters on Tuesday.
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Global Health Leaders Advocate for Robust, Multi-Supplier Pandemic Preparedness and Regional Manufacturing

Global Health Leaders Advocate for Robust, Multi-Supplier Pandemic Preparedness and Regional Manufacturing

Experts in global health and vaccine delivery are emphasizing the critical need for a multi-supplier, robust, and resilient supply chain to enhance pandemic preparedness. David Dodd, CEO of GeoVax, highlights that funding entities must support preparedness efforts and address the timely delivery, distribution, and administration of medical countermeasures. A key focus is on regional and local manufacturing capacity, which is deemed essential for achieving self-sufficiency and ensuring vaccine administration equity, particularly in low- and middle-income regions. Currently, many such regions depend on external distributors, limiting their preparedness and responsiveness. Initiatives like SAVE (Serving Africa through Vaccine Equity), led by GeoVax, aim to improve this situation by collaborating with nations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to foster vaccine self-sufficiency. The discussion also underscores the risks of relying on single suppliers and the importance of qualifying multiple suppliers to ensure a r...
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Map shows Florida has high flu activity. What about South Florida?

Map shows Florida has high flu activity. What about South Florida?

A nationwide flu tracking initiative shows that Florida has a particularly high rate of activity.
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Bird Flu Outbreak at Utah Mink Farm Raises Public Health Concerns; USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins Holds Key to Vaccine Authorization

Bird Flu Outbreak at Utah Mink Farm Raises Public Health Concerns; USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins Holds Key to Vaccine Authorization

A virulent strain of avian flu has spread through a mink farm in Utah, raising concerns about its potential to transmit to and between humans. Despite the outbreak persisting for over two months, there are no federal regulations specifically addressing how to manage sick mink. While other countries have ordered the culling of mink in similar situations, no such plans are currently in place in Utah. Mink are particularly susceptible to such viruses due to their respiratory systems being similar to humans. Although a bird flu vaccine for mammals exists, its use requires authorization from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. However, there is limited research on the appropriate dosage or effectiveness of this vaccine in mink, given that bird flu in mink is a new development in the U.S. Utah's State Veterinarian Amanda Price noted the lack of available options beyond monitoring the situation.
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Georgia Department of Public Health Urges Flu Vaccinations Ahead of Thanksgiving

Georgia Department of Public Health Urges Flu Vaccinations Ahead of Thanksgiving

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a strong recommendation for all Georgians to receive their flu vaccinations immediately. With Thanksgiving approximately two weeks away, the DPH emphasizes the urgency of getting vaccinated to ensure protection for individuals and their families during the holiday season. Kathleen E. Toomey, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health, stated that the flu vaccine is the most effective method to prevent influenza. She highlighted that it takes about two weeks for the body to develop antibodies and build immunity after vaccination. Therefore, taking preventive measures now is crucial to be protected by the time Thanksgiving arrives. The DPH advises that everyone over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine, with only rare exceptions. This public health initiative aims to mitigate the spread of influenza as colder weather approaches and holiday gatherings become more frequent, which typically lead to an increase in respiratory illness...
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Grandparents Urged to Vaccinate Against Multiple Viruses Before Visiting Newborns Amid U.S. Outbreaks

Grandparents Urged to Vaccinate Against Multiple Viruses Before Visiting Newborns Amid U.S. Outbreaks

Healthcare professionals in the U.S. are strongly recommending that grandparents and other caregivers receive several key vaccinations before interacting with newborns. This advice comes amidst the current respiratory virus season and the nation's most significant measles outbreak in decades. Dr. Dhaval Desai, an internal medicine and pediatrics physician, emphasized the vulnerability of infants aged zero to six months, who rely heavily on antibodies passed from their mothers and the immunity of those around them. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that anyone around a newborn should be up-to-date on routine vaccines, particularly the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/whooping cough) and the seasonal flu vaccine. Additionally, doctors are recommending the RSV vaccine for older adults, with specific age and health condition guidelines. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended for all adults to reduce the risk of hospitalization and transmission to vulner...
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mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Show Unexpected Benefits in Cancer Treatment and Prevention

mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Show Unexpected Benefits in Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Recent scientific findings indicate that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may offer unexpected benefits beyond their primary role in preventing viral infection. Researchers have discovered that receiving an mRNA COVID shot can enhance the effectiveness of certain cancer therapies, leading to improved three-year survival rates for patients. This breakthrough has spurred pharmaceutical companies to explore and develop personalized cancer vaccines utilizing mRNA technology. These new vaccines aim to target individual patients' tumors, representing a significant advancement in oncology. This development highlights how scientific innovations, even when focused on one area, can yield unforeseen positive outcomes in other critical public health domains. The initial success in improving cancer therapy efficacy suggests a broader potential for mRNA technology in medical treatments.
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Severna Park Community Center to Host Discussion on Social Media's Impact on Medical Care

Severna Park Community Center to Host Discussion on Social Media's Impact on Medical Care

The Severna Park Community Center is scheduled to host a free community lecture titled 'Medical Care in a Social World: You, Me and the Influencers' on November 12, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Dr. Barry Meisenberg, Chair of the Department of Medicine and Executive Medical Director of Cancer Services at Luminis Health, will lead the discussion. The event aims to explore how social media and online influencers are transforming the way individuals access medical information and make healthcare decisions. It will also delve into the impact of these changes on patient-doctor relationships. The lecture is open to the public and will take place in the Magothy Community Room.
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Northern Nevada Public Health to Host Free Flu Shot Clinic This Saturday

Northern Nevada Public Health to Host Free Flu Shot Clinic This Saturday

Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is scheduled to offer free flu vaccinations this Saturday, November 14, from 9 a.m. to noon. The clinic will be held at the Washoe County Administration Complex, located at 1001 E. 9th Street, Reno, in Building C. This event is open to all individuals aged 6 months and older, with no insurance required, and walk-ins are welcome. To ensure minimal wait times, multiple nurses will be available. In addition to flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines will also be provided for those aged 12 and older, subject to supply availability. This year's clinic will also incorporate a public health preparedness training exercise for NNPH's Population Health staff, designed to practice organizing mass vaccination events for potential public health threats. This exercise will not interfere with individuals receiving their vaccines.
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Norovirus Remains Leading Cause of Cruise Ship Outbreaks, Respiratory Pathogens Gaining Ground

Norovirus Remains Leading Cause of Cruise Ship Outbreaks, Respiratory Pathogens Gaining Ground

A meta-analysis published in eClinicalMedicine reveals that norovirus has been the primary cause of infectious-disease outbreaks on cruise ships over the past 57 years. However, respiratory pathogens like influenza and SARS-CoV-2 are increasingly contributing to these outbreaks. The study, led by Peking University researchers, analyzed 107 observational studies covering 619 outbreaks on 236 ships from 1969 to 2026. While the overall risk of outbreaks and related deaths on cruise ships remains relatively low, the unique semi-closed, high-density environment facilitates rapid transmission of infectious agents. Norovirus accounted for the largest percentage of outbreaks since 1995, but SARS-CoV-2 showed a higher infection rate among crew members compared to passengers. The findings indicate a diversification of the epidemiological landscape on cruise ships, with emerging pathogens and distinct infection patterns between passengers and crew.