Influenza B: A Silent Threat with Heavy Consequences

While seasonal flu is often spoken of as a single entity, Influenza B tends to remain in the shadow of its cousin, Influenza A — yet its health and economic burden is far from negligible.

Did you know that Influenza B accounts for nearly one-third of seasonal flu cases each year?

Unlike Influenza A, which circulates among humans, birds, and pigs, Influenza B exclusively affects humans, particularly children and the elderly.

An Underestimated Public Health Burden

Influenza B infections:

- Lead to high hospitalization rates, especially in pediatric units.

- Are responsible for severe epidemic waves, alternating with Influenza A in seasonal patterns.

- Generate significant healthcare costs, from missed workdays and medical consultations to hospital stays and post-viral complications.

Across Europe, the economic cost of seasonal influenza reaches several billion euros annually, and Influenza B plays a key role — yet research efforts remain limited and underfunded.

Vibiosphen’s Role: Science, Models, and Impact

At Vibiosphen, our mission is to fight infectious diseases through cutting-edge science.

Among our core priorities: Influenza B, through targeted preclinical research programs.

What we do:

- Development of in vitro and in vivo models to test the efficacy of new antiviral compounds against Influenza B.

- Cytotoxicity, PK/PD, and safety testing on candidate therapeutics.

- Integration of organoid and 3D tissue models for more human-relevant evaluations of therapeutic responses.

Our goal: accelerate the development of effective treatments and preventive strategies, specifically targeting Influenza B strains — often overlooked by global health initiatives.

Toward a Global and Innovative Approach

Fighting Influenza B requires greater scientific mobilization.

Vibiosphen is ready to collaborate with biotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, and public institutions to develop an effective and targeted response to this public health issue.

If you're working in antivirals, virology, or preventive healthcare, let’s connect!

Reach out to our team to learn more about our services and dedicated research models.