NIH-funded research Sbir 2 grant

Advanced mosaic influenza vaccine platform to protect people faster and with fewer doses

Official title: Advanced testing of a hexavalent adjuvanted influenza vaccine platform for dose sparing, multiplexing, and rapid deployment

Funded at Pop Biotechnologies, INC · NIH-11330423 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new vaccine approach uses a nanoparticle platform to deliver multiple flu antigens together, aiming to provide strong protection with smaller doses and quicker deployment.

More Influenza research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPop Biotechnologies, INC
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Buffalo, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$948,983
NIH project number5R44AI181479-03
Project IDNIH-11330423 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates include individuals at risk for influenza and those who would benefit from rapid, broad-coverage vaccines once the platform advances to human testing.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions that preclude vaccination or have non-flu related immune issues may not benefit from this specific platform.

What this research studies

This project develops and tests a novel influenza vaccine platform that combines HA and NA antigens on SNAP liposomes to create a mosaic nanoparticle vaccine. It uses a cobalt-porphyrin–containing lipid bilayer plus a TLR4-based adjuvant and QS-21 to boost immune responses. The work is conducted in preclinical models to examine dose-sparing, broad protection against multiple flu strains, and rapid manufacturing considerations. If successful, the platform could simplify and speed up responses to seasonal flu and future outbreaks in people. The effort is a Direct to Phase 2 SBIR, moving promising vaccine constructs toward clinical testing.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive effective flu protection with fewer doses and faster deployment during outbreaks.

How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data show protection in mice against multiple flu strains with the mosaic nanoparticle approach, indicating promise for translation to humans.

Where this research is happening

  • Pop Biotechnologies, INC
    Buffalo, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kutscher, Hilliard — Pop Biotechnologies, INC
  • Study coordinator: Kutscher, Hilliard

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.