NESS ZIONA, Israel: BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd., developer of M-001, the Universal Flu Vaccine candidate currently in preparation for a Phase 3 clinical trial, announced that one of its key patents titled "A Synthetic or Recombinant Influenza Multi-Epitope Polypeptide" has been granted in India.

The patent belongs to BiondVax's portfolio family titled "Multimeric Multi-Epitope Influenza Vaccines" and has now been granted in over 30 countries.

With a population of over 1.3 billion people, and high population density in some of the major cities, India is an important potential market for BiondVax and a universal flu vaccine may significantly improve public health.

Dr. Tamar Ben-Yedidia, CSO of BiondVax, commented, "We are pleased and thankful that the Government of India's Patent Office accepted the uniqueness of our universal flu vaccine solution and approved this main patent of BiondVax. Authorities worldwide recognize that currently marketed influenza vaccines fall short. I am proud that M-001, which is designed to cover current, future, seasonal and pandemic flu strains, is preparing to enter Phase 3 trials later in 2018."

There is a general recommendation for seasonal influenza vaccination in India for healthcare workers, pregnant women, and people with some chronic illnesses.[1] However, Northern and Southern Hemisphere flu strains dominate at different times and in different regions of the Indian subcontinent. A universal flu vaccine, designed to cover all flu strains, would provide consistent coverage, and be appropriate for vaccination throughout the year.

The patent describes influenza vaccines comprised of multiple copies of several epitopes, such as M-001 which contains nine common and conserved influenza virus epitopes.