Stable mRNA vaccine for new SARS-CoV-2 variants using RNA-plex protection
Official title: Development of a stable mRNA prophylactic vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11395650 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach aims to make mRNA vaccines against evolving COVID-19 variants more stable so they can be stored and distributed more easily.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $239,340 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI187979-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11395650 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals eligible for mRNA vaccine development and testing, including those at risk from emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
✕Less likely to help
Participants in later stages may face standard vaccine risks without direct benefit if the technology does not translate to humans.
What this research studies
This project seeks to keep mRNA vaccine technology effective as the virus changes, by developing a protective carrier-base system called RNA-plex that helps mRNA stay intact without strict cold storage. Researchers will test how well this method preserves vaccine mRNA in less stringent temperatures and whether the immune response remains strong. The work involves creating the protective formulation, evaluating its stability, and measuring antibody responses and other immune markers in relevant models. If successful, the technology could simplify transportation and expand vaccine access, especially in areas with limited cold-chain infrastructure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, vaccines could be stored and shipped more easily, improving access to protection against new COVID-19 variants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mRNA vaccine platforms have shown strong protection, but stability challenges remain; this project explores a novel protective tech that is still in early stages.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mai, Junhua — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Mai, Junhua
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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.