Developing a new oral vaccine adjuvant for polio and other infections
Official title: DEVELOPMENT OF SAPONIN DMLT ADJUVANT (SDA)
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-10935815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new ingredient that could make oral vaccines, like those for polio and bacterial infections, work better and be easier to take, so patients can have safer and more effective options for their vaccinations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,602,685 |
| NIH project number | 75N93023C00045-0-9999-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of polio or bacterial enteric infections and may benefit from improved vaccination methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been vaccinated against polio or those with contraindications to oral vaccines may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel adjuvant derived from saponins to enhance the effectiveness of oral vaccines, particularly for polio and bacterial infections. The approach combines a well-studied saponin with a bacterial toxin to improve immune responses when administered orally or sublingually. The team will conduct various studies to optimize this adjuvant for use in vaccines, ensuring it is safe and effective for gastrointestinal delivery. Patients may benefit from improved vaccine options that are easier to administer and potentially more effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective oral vaccines that provide better protection against polio and other infectious diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with similar adjuvant approaches, but this specific combination of saponins and dmLT is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Norton, Elizabeth — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Norton, Elizabeth
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.