Developing advanced models to study infectious diseases and biodefense
Official title: Biocontainment Research support services core
Funded at George Mason University · NIH-10910214 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new tiny models that mimic human organs to help test how well treatments and vaccines work against infections, especially from new coronaviruses, so we can better understand and fight these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Mason University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairfax, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $919,306 |
| NIH project number | 5UC7AI180261-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910214 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals affected by infectious diseases, particularly those caused by coronaviruses and other serious pathogens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-infectious diseases or those not affected by the targeted pathogens may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative organ-on-a-chip models to improve the testing of therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, particularly those caused by novel coronaviruses and other pathogens. The project utilizes advanced research techniques and instrumentation to conduct aerosol exposure studies in small animals, allowing for detailed analysis of how infections affect different organ systems. By integrating in vitro and animal model testing, the research aims to enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms and treatment efficacy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines and treatments for infectious diseases, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using organ-on-a-chip models for studying infectious diseases, indicating a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
George Mason University
Fairfax, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alem, Farhang — George Mason University
- Study coordinator: Alem, Farhang
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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.