Developing a new mRNA vaccine to treat melanoma using special nanoparticles
Official title: Optimization of Tannic Acid Lipid Nanoparticles for a Therapeutic mRNA Vaccine Against Melanoma
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10893477 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of mRNA vaccine that uses special tiny particles to help your immune system better recognize and fight melanoma, the most aggressive skin cancer, and it's aimed at helping people like you who are dealing with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $226,293 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB034942-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893477 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma, particularly those who have not responded well to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-melanoma skin cancers or those who are not eligible for mRNA vaccine therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a therapeutic mRNA vaccine specifically designed to combat melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. The approach involves optimizing a formulation of Tannic Acid Lipid Nanoparticles that can effectively deliver mRNA encoding melanoma-associated antigens into dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in the immune response. By enhancing the delivery of these mRNAs, the research aims to improve the immune system's ability to recognize and attack melanoma cells. This innovative strategy seeks to advance the development of mRNA vaccines for clinical use in melanoma treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with melanoma, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mRNA vaccines for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could be a viable option for melanoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fenton, Owen S — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Fenton, Owen S
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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.