Binghamton University Leads Effort to Develop Yeast-Based Bird Flu Vaccine

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Binghamton University has secured $2.5 million in federal funding to lead a research project developing a new bird flu vaccine using yeast as the base. The goal is to create a vaccine that is effective, inexpensive, and simple for farmers to manufacture, transport, and administer to their poultry flocks, helping to prevent outbreaks and stabilize the food supply.

Why it matters

Bird flu outbreaks have been driving up egg and poultry prices, putting strain on farmers and consumers. This research at Binghamton University could provide a practical new tool to help protect poultry and keep food supplies steady, especially as the virus continues to evolve.

The details

The Binghamton University team, led by a biomedical engineering professor, is modifying common baker's yeast to carry small pieces of the bird flu virus. When chickens consume the yeast-based vaccine, it triggers their immune systems to build resistance against the real virus. This yeast-based approach is designed to be more affordable and easier for farmers to use compared to existing vaccines.

• The federal government recently awarded about $2.5 million to the Binghamton University research team.
• The full project is expected to last around 3 years, with real-world testing at a partner university's safety labs in the coming months.

What’s next

The yeast-based vaccine will undergo real-world testing at a partner university's safety labs in the coming months to evaluate its effectiveness in protecting poultry.