Developing a new way to make influenza vaccines more effectively.
Official title: Integrated and Continuous Manufacturing of an Influenza Vaccine
Funded at Michigan Technological University · NIH-11186865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to make flu vaccines using cell technology instead of eggs, which could help create vaccines faster and make them work better, so people can get a more effective and affordable flu shot.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan Technological University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houghton, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $235,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R01FD007461-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11186865 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of influenza infection, including those with chronic health conditions, the elderly, and healthcare workers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for influenza or those who have already received a vaccine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new manufacturing process for influenza vaccines that uses cell-based technology instead of traditional egg-based methods. By continuously producing virus-like particles (VLPs), the team aims to make the vaccine production faster and more adaptable to changing virus strains. This approach could lead to a more effective vaccine that elicits a stronger immune response while also reducing production costs. Patients could benefit from a more effective and accessible influenza vaccine as a result of this innovative manufacturing process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and affordable influenza vaccines for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing cell-based vaccines, but this continuous manufacturing approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heldt, Caryn — Michigan Technological University
- Study coordinator: Heldt, Caryn
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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.