A new nasal treatment to protect against airborne RNA viruses
Official title: A universal intranasal nanoengineered therapy against airborne RNA viruses
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11131083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new nasal treatment that uses tiny particles to help your body fight off airborne viruses like COVID-19 quickly, aiming to protect you right where these viruses enter.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $664,392 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB035498-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk of exposure to airborne RNA viruses, such as healthcare workers or those living in crowded environments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already infected with airborne RNA viruses or those with severe respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel intranasal therapy using engineered nanoparticles to provide rapid protection against airborne RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2. The approach aims to activate the body's innate immune response in the nasal epithelium, which is the primary entry point for these viruses. By delivering this therapy directly to the nasal cavity, the researchers hope to neutralize the virus early, potentially reducing viral load and transmission. This innovative method addresses the urgent need for effective antiviral prophylaxis during outbreaks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a universal antiviral treatment that protects patients from severe respiratory infections caused by airborne viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using nasal delivery systems for antiviral therapies, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mahajan, Vinay Subhash — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mahajan, Vinay Subhash
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.