Developing a new adjuvant to improve vaccines for influenza and bacterial infections

Adjuvant Development of the TLR4 Ligand BECC470s For Use in Influenza, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa Vaccines

NIH-funded research University of Maryland Baltimore County · NIH-11126497

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11126497 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults and elderly individuals who are at risk for influenza and bacterial pneumonia.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 21 years old or those who do not have a risk of respiratory infections may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.