AAHI’s vaccine platform uses self-amplifying RNA (grey squiggles) fixed to the exterior of its nanostructured lipid carrier (yellow colors). The red molecules enable the RNA to electrostatically bind to the exterior; the green molecules enhance delivery of the RNA to the cell; and the blue molecules help stabilize the particle. (AAHI Image)

A Seattle organization devoted to infectious diseases, the Access to Advanced Health Institute, is aiming to develop an RNA-based nasal flu vaccine with a $9.9 million award from the U.S. government.

The vaccine will be developed against two bird flu viruses that have pandemic potential, H7N9 and H5N1. H5N1 has circulated in birds for decades and is in the headlines for an outbreak at a mink farm, suggesting that it may be capable of transmission between the mammals, a potential step towards human transmissibility.

Researchers have mixed reactions to the outbreak, with one calling it a “warning bell” in Science Magazine. In the worst-case scenario of another pandemic, RNA-based vaccines offer the possibility of more rapid deployment than traditional options, such as the protein-based FluMist nasal spray.

AAHI principal scientist Emily Voigt called AAHI’s approach “rapid-response RNA technology,” in a statement announcing the funding this week.

RNA vaccines came to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic with the success of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. AAHI is similarly testing a COVID-19 vaccine in phase 1 clinical trials.

AAHI’s approach leverages “self-replicating” RNA that amplifies itself in the body, ideally generating a stronger response at a lower dose. Studies have shown that a similar formulation can be converted into a powder and stored for months at room temperature or in a refrigerator.

The aim of the new project is to harness the tech to develop a prototype nasal vaccine against the bird flu strains within 40 months.

“Our preliminary data show great promise in preclinical models but have a long way to go to demonstrate effectiveness in humans. This prototype project is designed to bridge that gap quickly and effectively,” said Voigt.

The award is from a joint program of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services.

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