Developing easier-to-manufacture DNA vaccines for COVID-19
Official title: Leveraging cytoplasmic transcription to develop self-amplifying DNA vaccines
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-10884194 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new kind of DNA vaccine for COVID-19 that could be easier to make and distribute, especially in places with fewer healthcare resources, so that more people can get a reliable vaccine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168482-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884194 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of COVID-19 or those who have not yet been vaccinated.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already received a COVID-19 vaccine and are not seeking additional vaccination options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new type of DNA vaccine that aims to overcome the limitations of current mRNA vaccines used for COVID-19. By leveraging cytoplasmic transcription, the project seeks to develop vaccines that are more stable, easier to produce, and can be distributed more widely, especially in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure. The approach involves using biomanufacturing processes that can facilitate large-scale production and improve the accessibility of vaccines globally. Patients may benefit from a more reliable and effective vaccination option against COVID-19.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a more stable and accessible vaccine option for COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing DNA vaccines, but this specific approach is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peccoud, Jean M — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Peccoud, Jean M
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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.