New bovine adenovirus vaccine approach for COVID-19

Novel delivery platform and antigen design for an effective COVID-19 vaccine

['FUNDING_R01'] · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11321079

Testing a new vaccine delivery method that aims to produce strong protection against COVID-19, with attention to helping older adults.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorPURDUE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11321079 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project is developing a COVID-19 vaccine that uses a replication-defective bovine adenovirus to deliver a SARS-CoV-2 antigen. In lab and animal work the team saw higher levels of the vaccine protein and stronger immune signals compared with some human adenovirus vectors. They are designing the antigen and delivery to lower the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement and to work better in people with weaker immune systems, such as the elderly. The current work is preclinical but could lead to human testing if results remain promising.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults at risk of COVID-19 infection, especially older adults with age-related immune decline, would be the most likely candidates for future trials of this vaccine platform.

Not a fit: People who are severely immunocompromised, have known allergies to vaccine components, or are already fully protected by an effective vaccine may not benefit directly from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could yield a COVID-19 vaccine that needs smaller doses, avoids interference from common human adenovirus immunity, and gives better protection for older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Human vaccines using adenovirus vectors (human or chimpanzee) have protected people against COVID-19, but using a bovine adenovirus platform is newer and has mainly been tested in animals to date.

Where this research is happening

WEST LAFAYETTE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.