NIH-funded research R21 grant

A new vaccine to improve tuberculosis prevention

Official title: A novel c-di-AMP-based recombinant BCG vaccine

Funded at Albany Medical College · NIH-10783087 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking to create a better vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) by using a special ingredient that helps boost the immune system, aiming to offer stronger protection for people who are at risk of getting TB.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAlbany Medical College
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Albany, United States)
Project startFebruary 9, 2023
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$203,750
NIH project number5R21AI169111-02
Project IDNIH-10783087 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk of tuberculosis infection, including those in endemic regions or with compromised immune systems.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not at risk for tuberculosis or those who have already been vaccinated with BCG may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a more effective vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) by utilizing a novel recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine that incorporates cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP), a bacterial signaling molecule. The study investigates how enhancing the immune response through c-di-AMP can improve the vaccine's effectiveness against TB. By understanding the biological differences between the TB-causing bacteria and the current BCG vaccine, the researchers hope to create a vaccine that provides better protection for individuals at risk of TB.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective TB vaccine, significantly reducing the incidence of the disease.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using novel adjuvants like c-di-AMP to enhance vaccine efficacy, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Albany Medical College
    Albany, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Bai, Guangchun — Albany Medical College
  • Study coordinator: Bai, Guangchun

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.