A new sublingual vaccine to prevent and treat gum disease
Official title: A Novel Sublingual Vaccine for Preventing andTreating Periodontitis
Funded at Virtici, LLC · NIH-11407234 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A sublingual vaccine is being developed to prevent and treat periodontitis caused by specific gum pathogens, with the goal of reducing gum inflammation, tooth loss, and related health risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virtici, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $306,464 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DE036133-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11407234 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with or at risk for periodontitis, including those with Alzheimer’s disease dementia or related conditions
✕Less likely to help
People without signs of periodontal disease or those who cannot tolerate vaccines may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a vaccine you can take under the tongue to target the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. The researchers plan to test a vaccine that could prevent infection and lessen symptoms by modulating the immune response in the mouth. If successful, it could reduce the need for dental procedures and antibiotics, and may have broader health benefits given links between gum disease and other conditions. The work involves preclinical or early human studies to move toward a vaccine that people could receive to maintain gum and overall health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain a safer, easier way to prevent and manage periodontal disease without frequent dental procedures or antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: Vaccines against oral pathogens are being explored, with early signals of immunogenicity but human efficacy data remain limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Virtici, LLC
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halsey, Cortney — Virtici, LLC
- Study coordinator: Halsey, Cortney
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Grade C Periodontitis in Young People: Genetic Clues to a Severe, Early Condition
A research team is studying why some young people develop a severe form of gum disease called Grade C periodontitis and how genetics and bacteria like Aa may contribute.
-
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Periodontitis and HIV treatment–related bone loss in the jaw and teeth
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-
ICOS-Fc Therapy and Healing in Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
A study in adults with periodontitis will test a special protein fragment called ICOS-Fc to calm gum inflammation and protect tooth-supporting bone.
-
Oral-Gut–Bone Links in Periodontitis and Bone Loss
This research explores how gum disease could affect bone health by studying the connection between the mouth, gut, and bones in adults.
-
Diabetes-Driven Changes in Dendritic Cells and T Cells in Gum Disease
This project studies how poorly controlled diabetes alters immune cells in periodontitis to worsen gum disease.
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.