Creating a new vaccine to protect against certain mosquito-borne viruses
Official title: Development of a Cross-Protective New World Encephalitic Alphavirus Subunit Vaccine
Funded at Hawaii Biotech, INC. · NIH-10804684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new vaccine designed to protect people from serious diseases caused by certain mosquito-borne viruses, specifically targeting three types of equine encephalitis viruses, to help keep you safe and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hawaii Biotech, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project start | March 7, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $203,325 |
| NIH project number | 5R43AI172555-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10804684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas where these mosquito-borne viruses are prevalent, particularly those at higher risk of exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in regions affected by these viruses or those who are not at risk of exposure may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new vaccine to protect against New World alphaviruses, which are transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause severe neurological diseases in humans. The vaccine aims to provide cross-protection against three specific viruses: Eastern, Venezuelan, and Western Equine Encephalitis Viruses. The approach involves using a recombinant subunit vaccine that combines specific proteins from these viruses with a novel adjuvant to enhance the immune response. This innovative method seeks to ensure safety and stability while effectively preventing infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a safe and effective vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence of severe neurological diseases caused by these viruses.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research into vaccines for various viruses, the specific approach of developing a cross-protective vaccine for these alphaviruses is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Hawaii Biotech, INC.
Honolulu, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clements, David E — Hawaii Biotech, INC.
- Study coordinator: Clements, David E
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.