NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Developing vaccines and delivery methods for HIV treatment

Official title: Vaccine and adjuvant Clinical GMP product development and DNA Technology platform enhancements

Funded at Wistar Institute · NIH-11011264 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on a new type of vaccine to help treat HIV, using special DNA technology, and will test it first in animals before trying it in people, all with the hope of boosting the body's defense against the virus.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWistar Institute
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startDecember 8, 2022
Project endNovember 30, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$205,553
NIH project number5U19AI166916-03
Project IDNIH-11011264 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for HIV or those living with HIV who are seeking new treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not at risk for HIV or those who have already exhausted all treatment options may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating and producing DNA vaccines aimed at treating HIV. The team at Inovio Pharmaceuticals will manufacture these vaccines using advanced techniques and ensure they meet clinical standards. They will also utilize a portable device for delivering the vaccine, which will be tested in animal models before moving to human trials. The goal is to develop effective immunogens that can stimulate the immune response against HIV.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines for preventing and treating HIV infection.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing DNA vaccines for various diseases, indicating potential success for this approach in HIV treatment.

Where this research is happening

  • Wistar Institute
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Smith, Trevor — Wistar Institute
  • Study coordinator: Smith, Trevor

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.