Geoff provided some new links and suggested pursuing this new lead.
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/iE6ObDwSzUyA838t_nRwZw/projects
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/tell-me-about-yoshi-hero-at-un-IldklLcEQ_WAWbu1wCmg_g
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U OF WISCONSIN’S YOSHIHIRO HAYAKAWA PROJECTS
U OF WISCONSIN’S VIRUS/VACCINE-RELATED PATENTS
U OF WISCONSIN’S YOSHIHIRO HAYAKAWA PROJECTS
The NIH RePORTER database lists the following projects associated with Yoshihiro Hayakawa:
Development of glycan-array-based influenza virus detection method for rapid diagnosis of avian influenza (bird flu) This project focuses on creating a quick way to detect avian influenza viruses using glycan arrays.
Development of novel high-throughput screening methods for anti-influenza virus compounds targeting viral neuraminidase This project aims to find new compounds that can fight influenza viruses by targeting neuraminidase, an enzyme crucial for the virus.
Development of diagnostic methods for discrimination of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection This project is geared toward creating diagnostic tools that can differentiate highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infections from other infections.
Elucidation of the mechanisms of influenza virus entry into host cells and development of novel antiviral strategies This project seeks to understand how influenza viruses enter host cells and to develop new antiviral strategies.
Rapid and practical diagnostic method for avian influenza by glycan array This project focuses on developing a fast and practical diagnostic method for avian influenza using a glycan array.
Development of diagnostic methods for discrimination of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection This project aims to create diagnostic methods to distinguish highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infections.
Development of novel countermeasures against influenza This project focuses on creating new ways to combat influenza.
These projects indicate that Yoshihiro Hayakawa's work is related to influenza virus research and diagnostics, particularly avian influenza (bird flu).
BIRD FLU HOAX?
Dr. Joseph Mercola, an osteopath known for spreading “discredited” health claims, has long promoted skepticism about bird flu. He published a 2006 book titled "The Great Bird Flu Hoax" and continues to question the legitimacy of official narratives about avian influenza.
Social media influencers and conspiracy theorists have described bird flu as "just COVID for chickens" or an "Evil Psyop," with some posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) gaining tens of thousands of interactions.
Narratives accusing public health figures like Dr. Leana Wen, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Bill Gates of using bird flu as a "COVID-19 scam" have also gained traction online, fueling distrust in health authorities and vaccine efforts.
YOSHI’S JOB
Yoshihiro Kawaoka at University of Wisconsin: Research and Grant Use
Who is Yoshihiro Kawaoka?
Yoshihiro Kawaoka is a professor of virology in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is internationally recognized for his research on the molecular mechanisms of influenza and Ebola viruses, focusing on how these viruses jump between species and cause pandemics1,2,5.
Research Focus
Studies how influenza viruses adapt to infect humans and other species, which is key to understanding and preventing pandemics1,2,5.
Investigates the molecular pathogenesis of influenza and Ebola, including how these viruses replicate and cause disease1,2,5.
Develops novel vaccines and antiviral treatments for both influenza and Ebola2,5,7.
Pioneered the use of "reverse genetics" to create and modify influenza viruses, a technique that has revolutionized vaccine development7.
Use of Grant Money
Kawaoka's lab has been funded by major grants, including from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)5.
In 2009, he led a $9.5 million Gates Foundation grant to identify mutations in influenza viruses that could signal pandemic potential, aiming to create early warning systems for global health6.
Grant funding supports:
Impact
Kawaoka's work has directly contributed to “improved” flu vaccine technology and pandemic preparedness7.
He co-founded FluGen, a company focused on new flu prevention and treatment strategies7.
In summary, Yoshihiro Kawaoka uses his grant funding for cutting-edge research on the mechanisms, prevention, and treatment of influenza and Ebola, with a strong emphasis on pandemic preparedness and vaccine development2,5,6,7.
Yeah, they need to prepare for pandemics, kuz they only occur every hundred years, except when they cause them themselves for extra income & racism/classism.
U OF WISCONSIN’S VIRUS/VACCINE-RELATED PATENTS
The University of Wisconsin–Madison, primarily through its Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), holds multiple patents related to viruses and vaccines. Key examples include:
Influenza Virus and Vaccine Patents: UW–Madison researchers, particularly virologists Yoshihiro Kawaoka and Gabriele Neumann, developed the M2SR flu vaccine technology. This technology involves a genetically altered influenza virus that induces a broader immune response and is designed to be safer and more effective than traditional flu vaccines. The M2SR technology is patented and exclusively licensed through WARF, which manages UW–Madison's intellectual property1,2,4,5,6,8,10.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine Patents: Building on the M2SR platform, UW–Madison collaborated with FluGen and Bharat Biotech to develop "CoroFlu," a vaccine candidate targeting both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19). This vaccine approach involves inserting gene sequences from SARS-CoV-2 into the M2SR backbone. The underlying technology for this vaccine is also covered by patents managed by WARF1,5,8,10.
Patent Listings and Examples: WARF and UW–Madison have a portfolio of patents in this area, including patents on influenza virus replication for vaccine development and other virus-related technologies2,3,12. For instance, patent US20240238403 covers influenza virus replication for vaccine development, and other patents list inventions by UW–Madison researchers in virology and immunology2,3.
Recognition for Patenting Activity: UW–Madison consistently ranks among the top U.S. universities for the number of patents granted, reflecting its significant contributions in virus and vaccine research. In 2018, for example, WARF was issued 157 patents for UW–Madison inventions, including those related to viruses11.
In summary, the University of Wisconsin–Madison holds several patents related to viruses and vaccines, particularly in influenza and coronavirus research, with WARF managing these intellectual property assets1,2,4,5,6,8,10,11.
HIS BIO
Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a professor of virology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has a longstanding and significant connection with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). He is a leading inventor on numerous patents assigned to WARF, particularly in the area of influenza and other viral research7,4. His innovations, such as the reverse genetics system for influenza virus, have been commercialized and licensed through WARF, and he has co-founded companies like FluGen to bring these technologies to market2,3.
Kawaoka's association with WARF dates back at least to the early 2000s, as evidenced by patent filings and recognition from WARF-supported programs7,5. He has been at UW–Madison since at least 2007, when he co-founded FluGen and was honored for his contributions to influenza research3,5. This indicates that his connection with WARF has spanned nearly two decades, during which he has consistently contributed to WARF’s patent portfolio and commercialization efforts in virology and vaccine development7,4,3.
HIS PATENTS
Yoshihiro Kawaoka is associated with several specific virus and vaccine-related patents through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), primarily in the field of influenza. Notable patents and technologies include:
Influenza Virus Replication for Vaccine Development:
Patent No. 12,122,807 (Filed July 18, 2022; Granted October 22, 2024): Covers recombinant influenza viruses with genetic modifications that enhance replication, facilitating improved vaccine production. Kawaoka is a listed inventor, with WARF as the assignee3.
Patent No. 10,246,686 (Granted 2019): Focuses on methods and compositions for high-titer influenza virus production in mammalian cell culture, which is important for efficient vaccine manufacture8.
Modified Influenza Virus Neuraminidases:
Patent No. 12,251,436 (Filed December 9, 2021; Granted March 18, 2025): Describes modified neuraminidases that improve viral replication and vaccine virus yield, with Kawaoka as a co-inventor3.
Safer Influenza Vaccines from Replication-Knock Out Virus:
Patent No. 9,101,653: Involves a safer influenza vaccine platform using replication-deficient viruses, with Kawaoka as a co-inventor7.
Vaccines Comprising Mutant Attenuated Influenza Viruses:
WO2008147496A3: Covers neuraminidase-deficient live influenza vaccines, with Kawaoka as an inventor and WARF as an assignee4.
Cell Lines for Improved Influenza Virus Isolation:
Patent No. 11,851,648 (Granted December 26, 2023): Describes mammalian or avian cell lines expressing high levels of human influenza virus receptors, aiding in virus isolation and vaccine development. Kawaoka is a co-inventor, with WARF as an assignee3.
Influenza Vaccine Technology Licensed to FluGen:
These patents have had a significant impact on influenza vaccine research and manufacturing, demonstrating Kawaoka's central role in advancing viral vaccine technologies through WARF1,3,5,6.
https://www.keionline.org/covid-contracts
https://media.defense.gov/2019/Apr/11/2002115517/-1/-1/0/53ALMOSARAMONO.PDF
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn6502-virulent-1918-flu-genes-resurrected/