NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

New mRNA Vaccines for Tuberculosis

Official title: Development of Novel mRNA Vaccines Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Funded at International AIDS Vaccine Initiative · NIH-11325903 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This research explores new mRNA vaccine technology to protect adolescents and adults from tuberculosis, a serious lung infection.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionInternational AIDS Vaccine Initiative
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startMay 20, 2022
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$700,469
NIH project number4R33AI169132-04
Project IDNIH-11325903 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

This preclinical research is focused on developing a vaccine that would ultimately benefit adolescents and adults, including those living with conditions like HIV that increase TB risk.

Less likely to help

Patients will not receive direct benefit from this early-stage laboratory and animal model research, as it is not yet ready for human testing.

What this research studies

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, causing millions of illnesses and deaths each year, especially with the rise of drug-resistant forms and its connection to HIV. Current vaccine efforts often use similar approaches, so this project aims to bring fresh ideas and new technology to the field. Researchers are using advanced mRNA vaccine methods, similar to those used for COVID-19, to create a more diverse and effective vaccine. The goal is to develop a powerful new tool that could prevent people from getting, developing, and spreading TB.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a highly effective vaccine that prevents tuberculosis, including drug-resistant forms, and significantly reduces its global impact.

How similar studies have gone: While other TB vaccine candidates are in development, this project introduces novel mRNA technology and aims to broaden the range of immune responses, offering a new approach.

Where this research is happening

  • International AIDS Vaccine Initiative
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Postler, Thomas Siegmund — International AIDS Vaccine Initiative
  • Study coordinator: Postler, Thomas Siegmund

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.