Developing targeted vaccines for COVID-19 variants
Official title: SARS-CoV-2 vaccines based on RBDs with engineered glycosylation sites
Funded at Emmune, INC · NIH-10909385 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of booster vaccine designed to help people who have already been vaccinated against COVID-19 by making it better at fighting off different variants of the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emmune, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Juno Beach, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 17, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI170392-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909385 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have received initial COVID-19 vaccinations and are seeking booster options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating vaccine antigens specifically targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to enhance the immune response. By engineering glycosylation sites into the RBD, the researchers aim to improve the vaccine's effectiveness and reduce unwanted immune responses. The project will test these RBD-based antigens using lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-mRNA technology, comparing their ability to generate neutralizing antibodies against various COVID-19 variants. This innovative approach seeks to provide a more effective booster vaccine for individuals who have already received initial COVID-19 vaccinations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines that provide stronger protection against COVID-19 variants.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using targeted approaches for vaccine development, indicating potential success for this novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Emmune, INC
Juno Beach, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alpert, Michael David — Emmune, INC
- Study coordinator: Alpert, Michael David
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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.