The University of Connecticut (UConn) announced in October 2024 that associate Professor Thanh Nguyen’s research has received “significant” backing from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation has awarded a series of grants totalling $6.6 million, following support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The funding will contribute to research and innovation for a microneedle array patch that can deliver multiple human vaccines at once. The Foundation initially awarded $2 million, which has increased after early success.
Microneedle array patch technology
Dr Thanh Nguyen works in the College of Engineering’s School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering. His microneedle method is “far less painful” than traditional syringe delivery and offers access and uptake benefits.
“What if we were able to mail people vaccines that don’t need refrigeration, and they could apply to their own skin like a bandage?”
The technology delivers highly concentrated vaccines in powder from over months, through a “nearly painless” 1-centimetre-square biodegradable patch.
“The primary argument is that getting vaccines and boosters is a pain. You have to go back two or three times to get these shots. With the microneedle platform, you put it on once, and it’s done.”
Funding increases
After the initial award of $2 million, the project made good progress and received additional funding to support the development of a scale-up manufacturing technology to produce patches on an industrial scale. In late September, the Gates Foundation awarded $4 million to take the patch “a step farther” as a pentavalent and Polio vaccine targeting diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, HIV, Hepatitis B, and Polio. With this funding, the team can “build up productivity”. They are partnering with LTS to scale up production and are expanding the size of laboratory.
The award also marks a fundraising milestone for Dr Nguyen, who has earned more than $25 million in research awards, which he reflects “doesn’t come naturally”.
“It comes from the recognition of the high impact of the research and the lab’s success in publishing articles. It is a testament to the importance of what we are doing.”
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I hope this is strictly a VOLUNTARY vaccine for people to take? No way I am going to submit something that is needed to enter stores or conduct normal business!