Combined nanobody nasal therapy to block coronaviruses
Synergistic Nanobodies for Pandemic Preparedness
This project will develop inhaled nanobody treatments to help prevent and treat COVID-19 and related coronaviruses for people at risk of infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291320 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating tiny, antibody-like proteins called nanobodies from llamas and combining them into multivalent mixes that strongly bind coronavirus spike proteins. These combinations are designed to remain effective even as the virus mutates and to work across many beta-coronaviruses. The team plans formulations for intranasal or direct-lung delivery so the treatment can act where the virus first enters the body and be used both before and after exposure. Much of the work will be done in the lab and preclinical models to select the best nanobody combinations for later testing in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people at high risk of exposure or severe disease—such as healthcare workers, immunocompromised individuals, or people with early COVID-19 symptoms.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to respiratory viruses, those with advanced COVID-19 requiring intensive care, or individuals with allergies to formulation components may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a nasal spray or inhaled therapy that prevents infection and treats early coronavirus infection, including future variants.
How similar studies have performed: Llama-derived nanobodies and intranasal antibody approaches have shown promising neutralizing effects in laboratory and animal studies, but human trial evidence is limited so far.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Rockefeller University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rout, Michael P — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Rout, Michael P
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 below.