# Nonclinical Development of an Improved Polio Vaccine

> **NIH NIH R44** · BIOLOGICAL MIMETICS, INC. · 2022 · $990,662

## Abstract

Abstract
 In an SBIR Phase II, we developed an improved polio vaccine candidate, primarily for use
in the post-eradication era. We call the candidate, ultraIPVTM, because it is produced using a UVC-
inactivation method. UltraIPVTM has major improvements compared to existing IPV products,
such as IPOL (Sanofi) and VeroPol (Staten Serum Institute). The ultraIPVTM technology is
compatible with attenuated virus strains which reduce biosafety and biosecurity concerns during
manufacturing. The method is rapid and simple; only 30 seconds of UVC exposure is required for
inactivation. The UVC-inactivation process causes less amino acid degradation in protective
epitopes, which results in more vaccine units per milligram of virus allowing more doses per batch
with reduced costs per dose. Finally, the product is stable through multiple freeze-thaw cycles,
which bodes well for long-term storage in national stockpiles. In this SBIR Phase IIB, we propose
to complete critical non-clinical development activities for the trivalent ultraIPVTM. These
activities include manufacturing scale-up, GLP animal studies of safety and immunogenicity, and
IND application submission to prepare for clinical trials. We have assembled a team of subject
matter experts with the necessary experience to advance ultraIPVTM through the IND process and
beyond. For this product, we have several development avenues ready post-IND, including early-
stage interest from potential licensees.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10546963
- **Project number:** 2R44AI120260-04A1
- **Recipient organization:** BIOLOGICAL MIMETICS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** GREGORY John TOBIN
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $990,662
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2015-05-15 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10546963

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10546963, Nonclinical Development of an Improved Polio Vaccine (2R44AI120260-04A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10546963. Licensed CC0.

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