Overview

• Preclinical mouse studies showed that delivery via the gingival junction elicited stronger mucosal antibody responses and systemic protection than under-tongue vaccination, with efficacy matching intranasal delivery.
• Tests across protein, inactivated virus and mRNA vaccines all produced robust systemic and mucosal immunity when introduced using dental floss to target the junctional epithelium.
• A pilot study in 27 volunteers using dye-coated floss picks achieved about 60% deposition efficiency in the gum pocket, confirming practical feasibility without needles.
• Researchers are preparing clinical trials while addressing dosing consistency and evaluating suitability for infants without teeth and for individuals with gum disease.
• Backed by NIH funding and published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, the floss approach aims to reduce needle reliance and simplify vaccine transport and administration.