Improving RNA vaccines for COVID-19 and related viruses
CORE E: RNA Manufacturing Core
This project makes and improves RNA vaccines to help protect people from COVID-19 and similar viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180166 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will produce messenger RNA (mRNA) and self-amplifying RNA (repRNA) versions of promising vaccine antigens to compare how well they work and how safe they are. The core will support multiple project teams by manufacturing RNA vaccine candidates for lab testing and later use in trials or animal studies. Teams will use artificial intelligence to redesign RNA code to try to lower side effects, increase stability, and boost protein production. If a lead antigen is chosen, both kinds of RNA will be made so scientists can directly compare immune responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people eligible for future vaccine trials against COVID-19 or related viral infections, typically adults at risk of exposure or severe disease.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment for an active COVID-19 infection or those with unrelated medical conditions would not directly benefit from this manufacturing-focused work right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could speed development of better, longer-lasting RNA vaccines with fewer side effects for people at risk of COVID-19.
How similar studies have performed: mRNA vaccines have already proven highly effective against COVID-19, while comparing repRNA platforms and AI-guided codon optimization is a newer approach with promising preclinical rationale.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooke, John P — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Cooke, John P
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 below.