Testing a hamster model for COVID-19 vaccine development
Official title: Task V20: Hamster Sarbecovirus Challenge Model for SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Testing
Funded at Battelle Centers/pub Hlth Res & Evaluatn · NIH-11202805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new COVID-19 vaccines using hamsters to see how well they work and if they're safe, with the hope that what we learn will help improve vaccines for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Battelle Centers/pub Hlth Res & Evaluatn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | September 5, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,365,162 |
| NIH project number | 272201800013I-0-759302400001-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11202805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals at risk for COVID-19 or those interested in vaccine development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for COVID-19 or those who are not interested in vaccine-related research may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing vaccines for COVID-19 using a hamster model to evaluate their effectiveness and safety. The approach includes various stages of product development, from early feasibility studies to the necessary testing for regulatory approval. Patients may benefit from the insights gained through this research, as it aims to enhance the development of vaccines against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The study involves rigorous testing of immune responses and safety assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines against COVID-19 and similar infectious diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using animal models for vaccine testing, indicating that this approach is well-established.
Where this research is happening
-
Battelle Centers/pub Hlth Res & Evaluatn
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rudge, Thomas — Battelle Centers/pub Hlth Res & Evaluatn
- Study coordinator: Rudge, Thomas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
-
Understanding flu and COVID-19 vaccine responses in people and in the lab
Researchers at Stanford explore how flu and COVID-19 vaccines work in people and in lab tests to improve protection for adults.
-
Oral small molecule inhibitors to block SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication
A Stanford-led project tests a pill that could stop SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses from copying their RNA inside infected cells.
-
Outpatient antiviral cocktails to fight SARS-CoV-2 and future RNA viruses
Researchers at Stanford are developing outpatient antiviral cocktails that could be used easily outside the hospital to treat COVID-19 and future RNA virus infections.
-
Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Proteases to Block Viral Replication
A patient-facing program aims to discover and optimize small molecules that block key SARS-CoV-2 enzymes, potentially reducing viral replication.
-
How different COVID-19 vaccines shape immune responses
This project compares immune reactions after mRNA and adenoviral COVID-19 vaccines to learn how long protection lasts and why some people get breakthrough infections or side effects.
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.