BPL-1357

BPL-1357 is a whole-virus, β-propiolactone-inactivated vaccine containing four wild-type, low-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (H1N9, H3N8, H5N1, and H7N3). It was developed by researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).\ \ The vaccine is designed to provide broad-spectrum protection against multiple strains of influenza viruses, including completely heterosubtypic strains. Unlike traditional influenza vaccines that target specific strains, BPL-1357 preserves the virus's structural integrity while eliminating infectivity. This approach induces robust B and T cell immune responses and offers long-lasting protection across diverse viral families.\ \ BPL-1357 has shown promising results in preclinical studies. In mice and ferrets, it provided robust protection against challenge with a diverse set of influenza A viruses, including completely heterosubtypic strains. All mice receiving two doses of BPL-1357 delivered either intramuscularly or intranasally survived later exposure to lethal doses of each of six different influenza virus strains, including subtypes that were not included in the vaccine.\ \ The vaccine is being tested in both intramuscular (IM) and intranasal (IN) formulations, with the intranasal version specifically designed to block virus transmission - an innovation absent from current flu and COVID-19 vaccines.