Munich-based Ethris GmbH is part of a seven-organisation European consortium selected by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) to advance a next-generation mRNA-based mucosal vaccine against pandemic influenza. The consortium, known as NOFLU, has been awarded an initial EUR 13 million under a tender contract potentially worth up to EUR 148 million, forming part of a broader EUR 250 million EU initiative to explore multiple vaccine strategies in parallel.

NOFLU is one of just three programs selected under this competitive pre-commercial procurement framework, highlighting the EU’s focus on preparedness for future viral pandemics. The consortium brings together complementary expertise from across Europe, including Ethris and Evonik in Germany; NIVI Development, Statens Serum Institut, and Bavarian Nordic in Denmark; ECRAID in the Netherlands; and VisMederi in Italy. Partners provide capabilities spanning mRNA formulation and delivery, preclinical research, clinical trial execution, immunological assessment, and manufacturing.

“This expert EU consortium in vaccine development, manufacturing, and immunological science is collaborating to ensure society has a system in place for viral pandemic preparedness,” said Carsten Rudolph, Founder and CEO of Ethris.

“We believe Ethris’ differentiated mRNA vaccine technology holds huge potential to support this effort and help contain influenza pandemics by halting viral replication in the airways.”

Unlike traditional systemic vaccines, Ethris’ stabilized, non-immunogenic RNA platform is designed to trigger a robust immune response directly at the site of influenza entry in the airways, with potential to reduce viral transmission at source. The first Phase 1 clinical study, underway at Gentofte Hospital in Copenhagen, will assess safety, feasibility, and immunological responses, including a comparative evaluation of intranasal and intramuscular administration routes.

The full NOFLU program follows a staged approach spanning preclinical research through market authorization over 98 months. The initial EUR 13 million contract funds early clinical safety activities, with potential progression to EUR 35 million for Phase 2 and EUR 100 million for Phase 3, contingent on EU review and competitive evaluation.

Else Marie Agger, CEO of NIVI Development, added: “The consortium is delighted to contribute to the EU’s efforts to strengthen influenza pandemic preparedness through an innovative Phase 1 program. The selection of the consortium reflects confidence in our approach to inducing an immune response in the airways combined with an ambitious early-stage clinical development plan.”

By combining innovative mRNA science, a pan-European consortium, and a phased, risk-managed funding approach, Ethris and NOFLU aim to accelerate clinical implementation of a vaccine that could protect populations from future influenza pandemics.