Developing a new oral vaccine adjuvant for polio and other infections

DEVELOPMENT OF SAPONIN DMLT ADJUVANT (SDA)

NIH-funded research Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-10935815

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Orleans, United States)
Project IDNIH-10935815 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of polio or bacterial enteric infections and may benefit from improved vaccination methods.

Not a fit: Patients who have already been vaccinated against polio or those with contraindications to oral vaccines may not receive benefits from this research.

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 performed: 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

New Orleans, 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.