An Injectable Gel for a Single-Dose mRNA Vaccine

Injectable Hydrogel Depots for Self-replicating mRNA Vaccine Delivery

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11088790

This project is creating a new kind of injectable gel that delivers a special mRNA vaccine to protect people from serious Staph infections with just one shot.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11088790 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a novel injectable vaccine delivery system to combat severe Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) infections. The system uses a biodegradable gel that contains a self-replicating mRNA vaccine, designed to teach your body how to fight off the infection. The goal is to provide strong, long-lasting protection with just a single injection, offering a significant improvement over current vaccine delivery methods. This innovative approach could help prevent life-threatening Staph infections that are currently responsible for many deaths each year.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be individuals at high risk for severe Staphylococcus aureus infections, such as those undergoing surgery, with catheters, or with prosthetic devices.

Not a fit: Patients already suffering from an active Staphylococcus aureus infection would likely not benefit from this preventative vaccine.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a highly effective, single-dose vaccine to prevent life-threatening Staphylococcus aureus infections, which currently cause many deaths.

How similar studies have performed: While components like cationic polymers and biodegradable gels have been reported, this specific combination for a self-replicating mRNA vaccine depot represents a novel approach to vaccine delivery.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.