RNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine for newly diagnosed glioblastoma

A phase I study of RNA-lipid particle vaccines for newly-diagnosed glioblastoma, IND19304 08/21/2020

NIH-funded research University of Florida · NIH-11162296

A new RNA-based lipid nanoparticle vaccine aims to help people newly diagnosed with glioblastoma by training their immune system to recognize and attack the tumor.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gainesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11162296 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If I join, doctors will give me an experimental vaccine made from tumor RNA packaged in multi-layer lipid nanoparticles designed to mimic a viral infection and jump-start immune responses. The treatment is given systemically and is intended to activate dendritic cells and T cells that can target glioma cells inside the brain. Researchers have seen strong anti-tumor effects in mouse models and encouraging safety and survival signals in a large-animal (pet dog) trial, and the therapy now has FDA IND clearance to begin human testing. This is an early-phase (Phase I) clinical effort focused on people with newly diagnosed glioblastoma to learn about safety, immune effects, and initial signs of benefit.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People newly diagnosed with glioblastoma who are medically stable after initial surgery and able to receive an experimental immunotherapy are the likely candidates.

Not a fit: Patients without glioblastoma, those with recurrent disease who no longer meet the trial criteria, or people with certain uncontrolled autoimmune conditions may not be eligible or likely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could help the immune system attack glioblastoma cells and potentially slow tumor growth or improve survival.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse studies showed robust anti-tumor activity and a canine glioma trial showed the vaccine was feasible, safe, immunologically active, and associated with improved overall survival compared with historical controls, but human data are still novel.

Where this research is happening

Gainesville, 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.