Rhode Island Patent of the Month – March 2025
EpiVax, Inc. and Saint Louis University have been granted U.S. Patent No. 12,247,053, titled “Peptides for inducing heterosubtypic influenza T cell responses.” This patent introduces a novel approach to influenza vaccination by focusing on conserved T-cell epitopes, aiming to provide broad protection across multiple influenza strains.
Targeting Conserved T-Cell Epitopes for Broad Immunity
Traditional flu vaccines often target variable surface proteins of the virus, necessitating annual updates. In contrast, this new method identifies conserved T-cell epitopes within the influenza virus’s matrix and nucleoprotein components. These epitopes are designed to bind to HLA class I and II molecules, stimulating a robust T-cell mediated immune response. By focusing on these stable regions, the vaccine aims to offer cross-protection against diverse influenza subtypes.
Advancing Towards a Universal Influenza Vaccine
The development of a vaccine that elicits strong T-cell responses could revolutionize influenza prevention. Such a vaccine would reduce the reliance on yearly formulations and offer enhanced protection against emerging strains. EpiVax’s expertise in computational vaccinology, combined with Saint Louis University’s research capabilities, positions this innovation as a significant step toward a universal flu vaccine.
As influenza viruses continue to evolve, this patent represents a promising advancement in the pursuit of long-lasting and broad-spectrum influenza immunization strategies.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
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The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
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