An improved seasonal flu vaccine is about to undergo clinical trials in the U.S.
A research team at Flinders University in Australia developed the vaccine using adjuvants, which are substances that enhance the immune response, according to Dr. Nikolai Petrovsky, professor and research director of Vaxine Pty Ltd. at Flinders. It is believed to be the first human drug entirely designed by artificial intelligence.
This year's flu vaccine became less effective later in the season, when a second wave of the disease emerged with a tougher flu strain. The vaccine was only 29 percent effective overall. The new drug will be tested in the U.S. for about 12 months and will involve 240 healthy volunteers.