Developing a vaccine to prevent leptospirosis
Official title: Leptospirosis Vaccine Development
Funded at Luna Bioscience, INC. · NIH-10875620 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new vaccine to help protect people from leptospirosis, a serious illness caused by bacteria, and it’s for anyone who wants to help fight this disease and stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Luna Bioscience, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Westport, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AI174377-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875620 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for leptospirosis, such as those living in endemic areas or working in occupations with potential exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for leptospirosis or those with existing immunity to the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create the first effective vaccine for leptospirosis, a serious disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria. The team at LeptoX, Inc. is focusing on specific proteins from the bacteria that can trigger a strong immune response in humans. By optimizing the vaccine's formulation and delivery, they hope to ensure it is both safe and effective. The research will involve testing these vaccine components in animal models before moving to human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a safe vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence and severity of leptospirosis in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines for similar bacterial infections, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Luna Bioscience, INC.
Westport, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Devillers, Carla — Luna Bioscience, INC.
- Study coordinator: Devillers, Carla
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Antibody Test for Early Leptospirosis Diagnosis
A new antibody test is being developed to quickly detect leptospirosis so patients, including military personnel and travelers, can get treatment sooner.
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Surrogate markers to predict protection from a human leptospirosis vaccine
A new program aims to create simple lab tests that predict whether a VM protein–based leptospirosis vaccine could protect people, using samples from vaccinated animals.
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Rapid diagnosis of leptospirosis using leptospiral VM protein detection
This study is working on a quick test to help doctors easily find out if someone has leptospirosis, a serious infection, so they can start treatment right away and avoid complications, especially in areas where this illness is common.
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.