# Development of AS01b Mimics by Replacing QS-21 with a New Saponin Adjuvant

> **NIH NIH N43** · ADJUVAX LLC · 2022 · $600,000

## Abstract

AS01b (composed of the molecules QS-21 and MPL) is a powerful adjuvant best known for being a component of the FDA-approved Shingrix vaccine. Despite its successful track-record as an effective adjuvant, accessibility to AS01b as an adjuvant for use in novel vaccines is a concern due to the limited nature of the saponin molecule QS-21. The awardee seeks to address this problem by developing a mimic of AS01b by replacing QS-21 with a novel saponin molecule.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10691629
- **Project number:** 75N93022C00037-0-9999-1
- **Recipient organization:** ADJUVAX LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** SUZANNE MICHALEK
- **Activity code:** N43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $600,000
- **Award type:** —
- **Project period:** 2022-08-30 → 2024-08-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10691629

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10691629, Development of AS01b Mimics by Replacing QS-21 with a New Saponin Adjuvant (75N93022C00037-0-9999-1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10691629. Licensed CC0.

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