Developing a new adjuvant to improve vaccines for influenza and bacterial infections
Official title: Adjuvant Development of the TLR4 Ligand BECC470s For Use in Influenza, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa Vaccines
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore County · NIH-11126497 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new helper ingredient for vaccines that could make them work better against flu and certain bacterial infections, aiming to improve protection for both healthy adults and older people while using smaller doses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore County NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $5,246,827 |
| NIH project number | 75N93023C00046-P00002-9999-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126497 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults and elderly individuals who are at risk for influenza and bacterial pneumonia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or those who do not have a risk of respiratory infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new adjuvant called BECC470s, which enhances the effectiveness of vaccines against influenza and bacterial infections like those caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By utilizing advanced technology, the study aims to improve immune responses in both healthy adults and the elderly, ensuring that vaccines are more effective and require lower doses. The research will involve preclinical testing of this adjuvant with established vaccine antigens to assess its safety and immune-boosting capabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines that provide better protection against serious respiratory infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar adjuvant approaches can significantly enhance vaccine efficacy, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sorenson, Gregory — University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Study coordinator: Sorenson, Gregory
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.