US-based non-profit biotech Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) said that it has received a 2-year contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for development of an intranasal RNA vaccine against influenza as part of BARDA’s “Beyond the Needle” initiative. The initial vaccine will be targeted against H5N1 flu.
IDRI Senior Manager of the RNA program Emily Voigt said, “Intranasal administration of RNA vaccines may offer improved protection against respiratory pathogens – as well as easier administration and potentially higher uptake rates – relative to injected vaccines. Potent vaccines combined with ease of administration, even by non-trained medical staff, and increased stability means we can more quickly reach more people and offer the protection needed from respiratory viruses, regardless of where you live.”
Senior Manager of Process Development Alana Gerhardt commented, “IDRI’s RNA platform has enhanced stability compared to current RNA vaccines, which directly addresses the challenges of cold chain distribution, allowing for increased access to vaccines in places where freezers and even refrigeration are not always readily available.”
Read the Infectious Disease Research Institute press release.
