The NIH/NIAID awarded up to $40 million to Vitalex Biosciences and collaborator The Lundquist Institute to advance VXV‑01, a second‑generation dual‑antigen vaccine targeting Candida spp. and key Gram‑negative pathogens, toward Phase I manufacturing and trials. Vitalex, which holds an option to license the Lundquist platform, said the non‑dilutive contract funds manufacturing, trial preparations and underscores government interest in countering hospital‑acquired fungal and bacterial threats.