Therapeutic nucleic acid vaccine for chronic hepatitis B in people with HIV/HBV co-infection
Official title: Therapeutic nucleic acid vaccine for chronic hepatitis B in HIV/HBV co-infected individuals
Funded at Orlance, INC. · NIH-11415128 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new genetic vaccine approach is being tested to help people living with both HIV and chronic hepatitis B reduce and potentially cure their HBV infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Orlance, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $298,837 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AI195068-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415128 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with chronic hepatitis B who are also infected with HIV and have stable antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HBV infection or without HIV co-infection are not the target for this study.
What this research studies
This project aims to use gene-based vaccines delivered by MACH-1 to stimulate strong antibody and CD8+ T-cell responses against HBV in people who also have HIV. The researchers plan to compare DNA and RNA vaccine delivery directly into skin cells to boost immune activity where it’s most effective. The study is designed to test safety and the ability to generate a functional immune response in co-infected adults, with a focus on achieving better control of HBV. If successful, this approach could complement current HIV therapies and improve liver-related outcomes for these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine approach could help control HBV infection and reduce liver disease risk in people with HIV/HBV co-infection.
How similar studies have gone: Therapeutic nucleic acid vaccines have shown promise in other infections and cancers, but this specific HBV/HIV co-infection application is exploratory and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
-
Orlance, INC.
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fuller, Deborah H. — Orlance, INC.
- Study coordinator: Fuller, Deborah H.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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HBV immune responses in functional cure and therapies guided by CD4 T cells and B cells
This grant studies how HBV-specific CD4 T cells and B cells behave in people with hepatitis B to identify clues for achieving a functional cure.
-
HBV immune responses and pathways linked to functional cure
Researchers will study how HBV-specific CD4 T cells and B cells behave in people with chronic hepatitis B to find what immune changes are needed for a functional cure.
-
Nanobodies to help clear HBV surface antigen and restore immunity
A small, targeted antibody therapy using nanobodies is being explored to lower hepatitis B surface antigen in people with chronic HBV, with the goal of helping the immune system clear the infection.
-
How immune cells help control chronic hepatitis B
This research looks at how two immune cell types (CD4 T cells and B cells) in adults with hepatitis B act differently in people who clear the virus versus those with long-term infection to find clues for treatments that could lead to a functional cure.
-
Host-targeted antiviral to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B
A research project tests a new drug strategy that aims to clear signs of hepatitis B in people who have a chronic infection.
-
Long-acting injectable hepatitis B antivirals with an immune booster
This project is developing long-lasting injectable hepatitis B medicines combined with an immune stimulant for people living with chronic hepatitis B.
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.