Centivax Doses First Participants in Phase 1 Trial of Universal Flu Vaccine

South San Francisco, Calif. — Feb. 12, 2026

Centivax has dosed the first participants in a Phase 1A clinical trial of Centi-Flu 01, its pan-influenza universal flu vaccine candidate, marking the company’s transition into clinical-stage development.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-escalation study will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of Centi-Flu 01 in healthy adults ages 18 to 64 as well as adults 65 and older. The trial also includes an open-label, active-controlled phase. Initial data from approximately 180 participants is expected later this year.

Unlike conventional seasonal influenza vaccines, which are reformulated annually to match predicted circulating strains, Centi-Flu 01 is designed to direct immune responses toward conserved regions of the influenza virus that are shared across strains and subtypes and less prone to mutation. The goal is to generate broad and durable immunity against both seasonal and potential pandemic influenza strains.

“For decades, flu vaccination has been reactive,” said Sawsan Youssef, founder and chief scientific officer of Centivax. “A universal influenza vaccine allows us to move from annual guesswork to a more predictable and durable response.”

In addition to safety endpoints, the trial will assess immune responses using the hemagglutination inhibition assay, the established correlate of protection used in licensing seasonal influenza vaccines. The study will compare responses head-to-head against standard-of-care flu vaccines across a panel of more than 20 strains, including currently circulating, historical mismatch, seasonal guidance, and pandemic strains.

According to Jacob Glanville, founder and chief executive officer, the Phase 1A study represents a key inflection point for the company.

“We will quickly see whether the vaccine and the underlying universal immunity platform perform against standard of care,” Glanville said. “If successful, this could meaningfully change how we approach influenza prevention.”

Centivax’s broader epitope-focusing platform is also being applied to additional programs, including candidates targeting herpes-associated Alzheimer’s risk, oncology indications, malaria, and a universal antivenom that was recently published in Cell.

“Vaccines may provide benefits beyond preventing acute infection,” said Jerry Sadoff, chief medical officer. “We are increasingly seeing evidence that immunization can reduce long-term disease risks. Universal approaches may expand that impact across multiple pathogens.”

The company reports more than $26 million in non-dilutive funding from organizations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, the National Institutes of Health, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Military Infectious Diseases Research Program, the U.S. Naval Medical Research Command, and the Department of Defense.

Investors include Future Ventures, NFX, Global Health Investment Corporation, BOLD Capital Partners, Base4 Capital, Kendall Capital Partners, and Amplify Partners.

The global influenza vaccine market is estimated at more than $7 billion annually. Centivax is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.