CONICET and UBA scientists develop mRNA vaccine for H5N1 avian flu

Scientists from CONICET and the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), working through the Nucleic Acid Immunotechnology Laboratory (LITAN), are developing an experimental messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine against the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The project is a collaborative research and development effort involving the biotechnology company Sinergium Biotech.

Researchers have already designed more than ten vaccine candidates. Preliminary studies have confirmed that these candidates produce the targeted viral proteins and generate an immune response. The project is now moving toward further preclinical evaluations to compare alternatives, study safety, and determine which formulations offer the best responses.

The initiative has received support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The development aims to provide a tool that can be rapidly adapted should the H5N1 pathogen achieve sustained transmission among humans. This research follows the unprecedented global expansion of the H5N1 virus among various animal species, including wild birds, livestock, and mammals.