Brian Turner, Trudeau's communications manager, wouldn't identify any specific location that's being considered, citing confidentiality agreements. But he confirmed an off-site expansion is an option that's being considered, along with a possible on-campus expansion.

Turner said the off-site facility would be located near a research hospital or university that would give the Institute's scientists the opportunity to conduct clinical trials on vaccines they've developed to combat influenza, tuberculosis and other ailments.

David Woodland, Trudeau's president and director, said the need for what he called "a sister institute" has also been driven by a shift in funding priorities within the National Institutes of Health, Trudeau's primary funding agency, toward more clincical research.

"If we don't start doing more clinical research, there's a risk we could be left behind," Woodland said.

Trudeau currently employs about 135 people at its campus on the shore of Lower Saranac Lake.