SBIR Phase II: Design and production of a next generation vaccine to prevent COVID

Omnicyte, Llc, Guilford CT

Investigators

Abstract

The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a next-generation communicable disease vaccine that addresses weaknesses of current vaccines such as ineffective boosters. The proposed project aims to produce a next-generation vaccine that has better efficacy and significantly reduced side effects, as well as increased duration of effectiveness. The proposed project intends to produce a next-generation vaccine that can aid in vaccinating to prevent communicable diseases. The project's objectives are to show that the vaccine candidate can not only create an immune response that can stop the spread of the virus but also kill the virus. Additionally, the aim is to provably demonstrate that the vaccine is safer than the current vaccines and that it promotes an immune response that lasts significantly longer than current vaccines. This will be accomplished by testing the vaccine in an animal model that simulates the human respiratory system well. Not only will efficacy be tested, but the longevity of the immune response will also be tested. As an additional objective of the study, the route of administration will be examined. The vaccine's effectiveness will be compared by administering it either through injection, nasal administration, or a microneedle patch. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.