NIAID-funded researchers at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and their collaborators at the National Cancer Institute discovered a potential antibody treatment for Nipah and Hendra virus. The researchers developed a human monoclonal antibody (mAb) known as m102.4 that targets the G glycoprotein of both viruses and found that the mAb effectively protected ferrets after exposure to Nipah or Hendra virus. The mAb was also effective in protecting nonhuman primates after exposure.

NIAID recognized the need for a safer smallpox vaccine than Dryvax and ACAM2000 that could be used to protect patients with weakened immune systems, like those with HIV or cancer. A second-generation vaccine using Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA)-a highly weakened vaccinia virus that does not replicate well in humans is being developed by Bavarian Nordic.

NIAID is supporting research to promote the development of universal influenza vaccines, which would provide broader protection against multiple strains of influenza viruses.