The use of inulin-based adjuvants to enhance the effectiveness and population coverage of influenza vaccination [ 2006 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Nikolai Petrovsky (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Peter Cooper

Brief description A major obstacle in the development of effective vaccines to protect against bird flu (avian influenza) is the difficulty in producing enough vaccine in a short enough time to be able to protect the population should bird flu become a problem in the human population. Our research is focused on a technique to make vaccines much more effective and thereby reduce the amount of vaccine needed for each person. This would allow many more people to be protected with the same amount of vaccine. This technology is known as a vaccine adjuvant and we have developed a unique adjuvant based on a natural plant sugar called inulin that has the potential to dramatically enhance existing and new flu vaccines.

Funding Amount $AUD 250,393.80

Funding Scheme NHMRC Strategic Awards

Notes Urgent Research - Pandemic Influenza - H5N1