A $50 million Project NextGen competition to advance microneedle patch-based RNA vaccines.
BARDA calls on vaccine developers and patch makers to partner and accelerate new vaccine technologies.
About the prize
The Patch Forward Prize, part of Project NextGen, is a $50 million competition to advance microneedle patch-based RNA vaccines for COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and pandemic influenza. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) calls on vaccine developers and patch makers to partner and accelerate new vaccine technologies.
Meet the Concept Stage winning teams
LTS Lohmann, partnered with BioNet
A next-generation microneedle patch-based mRNA vaccine targeting seasonal influenza viruses, with the flexibility to pivot to pandemic influenza strains.
Micron Biomedical, partnered with Zipcode Bio
Co-developing mRNA-based, broadly protecting influenza vaccines based on dissolvable microarrays and delivered without an injection.
PopVax, partnered with LTS Lohmann
A seasonal influenza vaccine built on a novel mRNA-encoded immunogen display architecture delivered via a dissolvable microarray patch.
Vaxxas, partnered with University of Queensland/BASE
A high-density microarray patch-based mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 designed for enhanced immunity.
Timeline
The prize consists of three independent stages. The Concept Stage invited concept papers from all eligible entrants.
Prize launch
March 28, 2024
Concept Stage submission deadline
October 3, 2024
We are here
Concept Stage winners announced
January 13, 2025
Preclinical Stage launch
March 1, 2025
Clinical Stage launch
March 1, 2025
Preclinical Stage ends
Mid 2028
Clinical Stage ends
Mid 2028
Prize pool
$50 million
The Patch Forward Prize will award $50 million across three stages. The Concept Stage awarded $8 million to four winners. Each winning Concept Stage team received $2 million. The Preclinical Stage will award up to three winners $7 million each, and the Clinical Stage will award up to two winners $10.5 million each.
Prize resources
Access resources to learn more about patch-based RNA vaccine development, including the technologies, product development, and regulatory requirements.