Creating a new vaccine to prevent syphilis infections
Official title: Development of a Chimeric Syphilis Vaccine Candidate to Combat Local, Disseminated and Congenital Syphilis Infection
Funded at University of Victoria · NIH-11075298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new vaccine to help protect against syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that's becoming more common, by testing important proteins from the bacteria that cause it in animals to see if they can help the body fight off the infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Victoria NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Victoria, Canada) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,572,419 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI182035-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075298 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of syphilis infection, including sexually active adults and pregnant women.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already infected with syphilis or those who have contraindications to vaccination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a vaccine candidate to combat syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that has seen a resurgence in many countries. The approach involves identifying key proteins from the bacteria that cause syphilis, which are crucial for its ability to evade the immune system and spread in the body. By testing these proteins in animal models, the researchers aim to determine their effectiveness in providing protection against syphilis. If successful, this vaccine could significantly reduce the incidence of syphilis and its severe complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to an effective vaccine that prevents syphilis infections and reduces associated health complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines targeting similar bacterial infections, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Victoria
Victoria, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cameron, Caroline E — University of Victoria
- Study coordinator: Cameron, Caroline E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Syphilis in Pregnancy: Understanding Infection in Moms and Babies
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Syphilis in Pregnancy: Molecular Tests and Immune Responses in Mom and Baby
A study to understand how syphilis affects pregnancy and newborns by using molecular tests and tracking immune responses in 750 pregnant women with syphilis and their babies.
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Crowdsourced digital messaging to boost syphilis and HIV testing for women in NYC and rural Alabama
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Preventing syphilis in pregnant people in Rio de Janeiro
A clinical trial in Brazil tests a pregnancy-safe antibiotic plan to stop syphilis from affecting babies.
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Cefixime vs Penicillin G for Early Syphilis in HIV and non-HIV patients
This project compares a cefixime-based treatment to standard penicillin for early syphilis in people with and without HIV.
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Preventing congenital syphilis in pregnant people at risk in Rio de Janeiro
A clinical trial will test a treatment approach during pregnancy to reduce syphilis transmission from mother to baby for pregnant people at risk in Rio de Janeiro.
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.