Development of a new vaccine for schistosomiasis
Official title: Evaluation of a Next Generation SchistoShield Vaccine
Funded at Pai Life Sciences, INC. · NIH-10761529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new vaccine called SchistoShield® to help protect people from schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasites that affects many around the world, and it's designed to be safer and more effective than current treatments that aren't working as well anymore.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pai Life Sciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AI179364-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10761529 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in endemic regions of schistosomiasis who are at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of schistosomiasis or those who have already been effectively treated with existing therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a next-generation vaccine, SchistoShield®, to combat schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease affecting millions worldwide. The vaccine targets a specific protein antigen and is formulated with an adjuvant to enhance immune response. After successful animal trials, the research is moving into human clinical trials to assess safety and effectiveness. The goal is to provide a viable alternative to current treatment methods that are becoming less effective due to drug resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence and transmission of schistosomiasis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise with the initial SchistoShield® vaccine, indicating potential for success with this next-generation approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Pai Life Sciences, INC.
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gray, Sean Alex — Pai Life Sciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Gray, Sean Alex
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.