H1N1 VLP vaccine (Medicago)

The H1N1 VLP vaccine (Medicago) is a plant-based recombinant vaccine developed to protect against the H1N1 strain of influenza A virus. Produced using Medicago's proprietary virus-like particle (VLP) technology in *Nicotiana benthamiana* plants, the vaccine consists of recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) proteins (specifically from the A/California/07/2009 strain) that self-assemble into particles mimicking the external structure of the virus. These VLPs are non-infectious as they lack the viral genome, yet they effectively stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses. The vaccine was developed with significant support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under the Blue Angel program, which sought to establish rapid domestic vaccine manufacturing capabilities. Although the monovalent H1N1 candidate successfully completed Phase 2 clinical trials and the technology was integrated into a quadrivalent seasonal vaccine, all development was halted in early 2023 when Medicago ceased operations.

Other names

Medicago H1N1 VLP vaccineplant-based H1N1 VLP vaccineH1N1 VLP vaccineH-1N1 VLP vaccineH 1N1 VLP vaccine