IDRI Receives Grant to Develop a Novel Vaccine to Combat Pandemic Flu
The Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) today announced it has received a multi-million dollar grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and the Army Research Office (ARO), both parts of United States Department of Defense. This new funding will support IDRI's development of a single-dose influenza vaccine to be widely administered in case of a pandemic flu outbreak.
The proposal combines cutting-edge vaccine adjuvant technology from IDRI and a microneedle delivery device. Intradermal vaccine delivery has proven benefits over conventional administration methods and may enhance protection as well as allowing for a reduction in the amount of antigen needed. A similar beneficial effect has been observed with some of IDRI's adjuvants.
Dr. Darrick Carter, director of formulations at IDRI and principal investigator, says, "We are in a unique position to bring the vaccine adjuvant and the delivery technologies together to elicit better and more rapid stimulation of the body's defenses." This grant will support IDRI's proof-of-concept preclinical and Phase 1 clinical work, combining technologies to make a vaccine capable of being effective after only a single shot.
The device-adjuvant platform resulting from this program can be applied to intradermal delivery of a variety of vaccine products, targeting many of the world's most challenging diseases.
Newsletter
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
What Lies Beneath: Why Borescopes Are Essential for Verifying Surgical Instrument Cleanliness
July 16th 2025Despite their smooth, polished exteriors, surgical instruments often harbor dangerous contaminants deep inside their lumens. At the HSPA25 and APIC25 conferences, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and her colleagues revealed why borescopes are an indispensable tool for sterile processing teams, offering the only reliable way to verify internal cleanliness and improve sterile processing effectiveness to prevent patient harm.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.
