Funding the priorities of the influenza vaccines research and development roadmap: an evaluation of global investment

Background: Improved vaccines are urgently needed to mitigate the global threats of seasonal and pandemic influenza. The Influenza Vaccines Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap (IVR) was developed as a strategic framework to advance R&D for improved vaccines. To evaluate investment in key research priorities and help guide future funding decisions, we assessed recent global funding and investment aligned with the IVR goals and milestones. Methods: We used publicly available sources to monitor investments between 2020 and 2024 that supported the goals and milestones outlined in the IVR. Results: We identified 505 awards totaling over $1.77B for influenza vaccine R&D that were aligned with at least one IVR strategic goal; these awards collectively addressed all of the strategic goals across the IVR topic areas of virology, immunology, vaccinology, animal and controlled human infection models, and policy, financing, and regulation. Over 90 % ($1.6B) of the total funding identified was provided by the US National Institutes of Health. Important investments have been made in building large multi-center networks that addressed multiple priority milestones. We identified important gaps, including funding for convening stakeholders to coordinate research and resolve persistent issues for regulatory approval of broadly protective influenza vaccines. Conclusions: Substantial investments have been made across all areas of influenza vaccine R&D aligned with the priorities outlined in the IVR. Achieving the IVR goals and milestones will require continued engagement of stakeholders, coordination of researchers and regulators, political will, and ongoing financial support. Sustained funding and long-term investment in vaccine R&D will remain critical for developing improved influenza vaccines against pandemic and seasonal influenza.