The Flu Hub website centralizes influenza research programs, resources, programs, and cohort studies funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). In December 2025, Flu Hub launched the Clinical Biospecimen Repository, a centralized platform providing researchers with access to biospecimens collected through completed, NIAID-sponsored clinical influenza studies.
The repository is designed to accelerate secondary research by making high-quality influenza samples more accessible to the scientific community. Its catalog includes over 230,000 biospecimens from over 3,400 participants across seven specimen types: serum, plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), cryopreserved PBMCs, nasal lavage fluid supernatant, nasal swabs, and urine.
Researchers can use the platform’s search, filtering, and sorting tools to identify studies and biospecimens based on sample type, participant characteristics (e.g., age or sex), and clinical information. A user-friendly cart allows researchers to select samples of interest and submit a request for review by NIAID’s Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID). Access to the biospecimens is provided at no cost to approved requesters, who are generally responsible only for shipping and delivery expenses.
In May of 2026, Flu Hub launched HANA, an AI chatbot to assist researchers with identifying relevant studies within the Clinical Biospecimen Repository. Once studies are identified, HANA can narrow down a researcher’s sample needs and generate a draft picklist. As HANA is in beta, researchers can share feedback or suggestions to improve the tool by emailing support@ceirr-network.org.
By opening previously collected samples to new investigations, the repository can help researchers explore influenza biology and its impact on health, evaluate potential new treatments, support clinical studies, and develop strategies to address ongoing public health challenges. The platform also supports broader efforts to maximize the scientific value of NIAID-funded research and advance universal influenza vaccine goals.
Explore the Flu Hub Clinical Biospecimen Repository with the help of HANA to advance your next influenza study.