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Live attenuated influenza vaccine
This vaccine contains live but weakened influenza viruses that replicate in the nasal mucosa to stimulate both mucosal and systemic immune responses without causing disease.
A live attenuated influenza vaccine stimulates immune responses by introducing weakened influenza virus strains that replicate in the nasal mucosa without causing severe disease. Used for Influenza prevention in children and adults.
At a glance
| Generic name | Live attenuated influenza vaccine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | LAIV, Fluenz, Flumist, FluMist, FLUMIST by Mediummune. |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong |
| Drug class | Live attenuated vaccine |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The attenuated virus strains are temperature-sensitive and replication-defective, allowing them to grow in the cooler upper respiratory tract but not in the warmer lower respiratory tract or systemic circulation. This triggers innate and adaptive immune responses including antibody production and T-cell activation against influenza antigens. The mucosal replication site provides direct stimulation of respiratory tract immunity, which is particularly relevant for preventing influenza infection at the site of viral entry.
Approved indications
- Influenza prevention in children and adults
Common side effects
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fever
- Myalgia
Key clinical trials
- Vaccine Pandemic Preparedness Through Airway Immunology Characterization (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Responses to Live Attenuated Influenza Virus (LAIV) in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine as a Nasal Model for Influenza Infection (PHASE4)
- Administration of the Nasal Influenza Vaccine to Children in Daycare or at a Healthcare Facility (NA)
- Bacterial Composition and Immune Responses in the Nose and Oropharynx During Influenza Infection (PHASE1)
- Intranasal LAIV Mucosal Immunity Examination (PHASE4)
- The Dynamics of the Immune Responses to Repeat Influenza Vaccination Exposures (DRIVE III) Study (PHASE4)
- Mucosal and Systemic Immune Responses Induced by an Intranasal Influenza Live Attenuated Vaccine (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Live attenuated influenza vaccine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Live attenuated influenza vaccine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- The University of Hong Kong portfolio CI