The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes for Health (NIH) have launched a next-generation universal vaccine platform called Generation Gold Standard. This platform uses a beta-propiolactone (BPL)-inactivated, whole-virus approach to provide broad-spectrum protection against multiple strains of pandemic-prone viruses.
The initiative aims to improve transparency, effectiveness, and comprehensive preparedness for influenza and coronavirus outbreaks. The NIH is developing universal vaccines for these diseases, including candidates BPL-1357 and BPL-24910. These vaccines can offer long-lasting protection against various strains of H5N1 avian influenza and coronaviruses.
The Generation Gold Standard platform has the potential to realign America’s pandemic preparedness by targeting flu viral threats beyond current circulating strains. The intranasal formulation of BPL-1357 is currently in Phase Ib and II/III trials, designed to block virus transmission.
The NIH-developed platform is fully government-owned and transparent, ensuring public accountability and freedom from commercial conflicts of interest. It also has the potential to be adaptable for future use against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza.
Clinical trials for universal influenza vaccines are scheduled to begin in 2026, with FDA approval targeted for 2029. The intranasal BPL-1357 flu vaccine is also on track for FDA review by 2029.
Source: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hhs-nih-launch-next-generation-universal-vaccine-platform-pandemic-prone-viruses