Developing a new mRNA vaccine adjuvant for influenza
Official title: MRNA VACCINE DEVELOPMENT
Funded at Flag Bio, INC. · NIH-11203921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to boost the effectiveness of flu vaccines by using a special ingredient that helps your immune system respond better, so you can get better protection against the flu.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Flag Bio, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Aurora, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $594,566 |
| NIH project number | 75N93024C00014-0-9999-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11203921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at higher risk for influenza complications, such as the elderly, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for influenza or those who have contraindications to vaccination may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating mRNAFlag, a novel vaccine adjuvant designed to enhance the immune response to influenza vaccines. The approach involves using an mRNA transcript that encodes a modified TLR5 agonist, which is expected to improve the effectiveness of the influenza mRNA vaccine. The vaccine will utilize a specific hemagglutinin from the H1N1 virus and will be formulated in a lipid nanoparticle system similar to that used in successful COVID-19 vaccines. Patients may benefit from improved protection against influenza through enhanced vaccine responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective influenza vaccines, providing better protection for patients during flu seasons.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using mRNA technology for vaccines, particularly with COVID-19, indicating a potential for success in this novel application for influenza.
Where this research is happening
-
Flag Bio, INC.
East Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Andrianova, Katerina — Flag Bio, INC.
- Study coordinator: Andrianova, Katerina
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.