Evaluating a new vaccine to prevent pneumonia in young children

A Phase II Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Whole-Cell Pneumococcal Vaccine (wSp) in Reducing Nasopharyngeal Colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae in Young Children

NIH-funded research Rochester General Hospital (Ny) · NIH-11056767

This study is testing a new vaccine for young children that aims to help their bodies fight off a common bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to serious illnesses, and it hopes to be a helpful addition to the vaccines already available.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRochester General Hospital (Ny) NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11056767 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new whole-cell pneumococcal vaccine designed to reduce the colonization of Streptococcus pneumoniae in young children. The vaccine is serotype-independent and aims to elicit a strong immune response, particularly targeting Th17 cell-mediated immunity. By vaccinating children, the study will assess the vaccine's safety and effectiveness in preventing nasopharyngeal colonization, which is a precursor to pneumococcal diseases. The research will also explore the potential of this vaccine to complement or replace existing pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young children, particularly those under 11 years old, who are at risk for pneumococcal infections.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 21 years or those with existing severe pneumococcal infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective and cost-efficient vaccine for preventing pneumonia in children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise with similar whole-cell vaccine approaches, but this specific vaccine is novel and untested in this population.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.