Crucell and Scripps Research discover broad-spectrum antibodies against influenza B

In what is described as a landmark discovery, researchers from Crucell Holland, which became wholly-owned by US health care major Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) in 2010), and The Scripps Research Institute, have announced the identification of the first human monoclonal antibodies that appear capable of disabling all influenza B viruses.

The discovery, published today in the journal Science, addresses a significant missing link in development of universal therapies and a vaccine. The research was conducted by a team of scientists at Crucell and Scripps Research, along with collaborators from the Center of Influenza Research at the University of Hong Kong.

"Despite current vaccines and treatments, influenza remains a major medical problem worldwide. There is a strong need for development of new therapies that go beyond treatment or prevention of infection by single strains, especially with the growing problem of resistance to available anti-viral drugs. A broad-spectrum antibody therapy would be of great benefit for protecting people at high risk of dying from influenza such as senior citizens. The immune system deteriorates with age, so the elderly are not adequately protected by current flu vaccines," says Jaap Goudsmit, director of the Crucell Vaccine Institute and co-author of the study.