Improving RNA vaccines using a gene gun delivery method.
Official title: Gene Gun-delivered RNA vaccines.
Funded at Orlance, INC. · NIH-11083760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to give RNA vaccines using a special device that gently shoots tiny gold particles into the skin, making it safer and easier for people to get vaccinated without needles or the need for super cold storage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Orlance, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R43AI181303-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083760 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and are seeking safer vaccine options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already received a COVID-19 vaccine and are not eligible for further vaccination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel method for delivering RNA vaccines using a gene gun, which injects vaccine-coated gold microparticles directly into the skin. This approach aims to enhance the safety and stability of RNA vaccines by eliminating the need for lipid nanoparticles, which can cause adverse effects like myocarditis and require ultra-cold storage. By targeting the immunocompetent cells in the skin, the gene gun delivery method could generate a strong immune response with lower doses of the vaccine. Additionally, this needle-free method is designed to be pain-free, making vaccination more accessible and comfortable for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective RNA vaccines that do not require extreme storage conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While gene gun delivery has shown promise in earlier trials, this specific application for RNA vaccines is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Orlance, INC.
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frizzell, Hannah — Orlance, INC.
- Study coordinator: Frizzell, Hannah
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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.