Centivax Initiates Phase 1 Trial of Universal Flu Vaccine

South San Francisco biotech company begins first-in-human study of pan-influenza vaccine candidate

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Centivax, Inc. has dosed the first participants in a Phase 1A clinical trial for Centi-Flu 01, a universal flu vaccine that targets conserved regions of the influenza virus rather than the rapidly mutating surface proteins. This milestone marks a potential shift from the annual 'guesswork' of matching seasonal flu shots to a more proactive approach aimed at generating broad and durable immunity.

Why it matters

Traditional flu vaccines are often cumbersome and costly, requiring annual reformulation to match predicted circulating strains. Centivax's universal vaccine approach could provide more reliable and long-lasting protection, potentially reducing the burden of influenza and improving public health outcomes.

The details

The Phase 1A trial will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of Centi-Flu 01, using the established hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay to measure immune response against a panel of over twenty flu strains. Unlike traditional vaccines that target the virus's surface proteins, Centivax's 'epitope focusing' strategy aims to generate immunity by targeting conserved regions of the influenza virus that are less prone to mutation.

  • The Phase 1A clinical trial for Centi-Flu 01 began on February 12, 2026.

The players

Centivax, Inc.

A South San Francisco-based biotech company developing a universal flu vaccine and other innovative immunotherapies using its epitope-focusing platform.

Sawsan Youssef, PhD

Founder and Chief Science Officer of Centivax, who explains the company's strategy of moving from 'annual guesswork to predictable durable response' with its universal flu vaccine.

Jacob Glanville, PhD

Founder and CEO of Centivax, who emphasizes the potential impact of the universal flu vaccine in correcting the problem where people still get sick despite taking the annual flu shot.

Jerry Sadoff, MD

Chief Medical Officer of Centivax, who points to evidence suggesting that vaccines can offer benefits beyond preventing initial infection, potentially reducing the risk of conditions like Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular events.

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What they’re saying

“For decades, flu vaccination has been reactive. A universal influenza vaccine allows us to be proactive—moving from annual guesswork to predictable durable response.”

— Sawsan Youssef, PhD, Founder and Chief Science Officer, Centivax

“We are aiming to correct the problem so many of us experience: where, despite taking a flu shot, you still get sick.”

— Jacob Glanville, PhD, Founder and CEO, Centivax

What’s next

Positive results from the Phase 1A trial are expected to accelerate Centivax's progress towards the $7 billion annual flu vaccine market.

The takeaway

Centivax's universal flu vaccine represents a potential paradigm shift in infectious disease prevention, moving beyond reactive, strain-specific vaccines towards proactive, broad-spectrum immunity. If successful, this approach could significantly improve public health outcomes and reduce the burden of influenza.