NIAID Pursuing Next-Generation “Pan-Coronavirus” Vaccines

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded more than $36 million to three institutions to conduct research and develop vaccines that can provide broad immunity to coronaviruses such as COVID-19.

Researchers will investigate how to develop coronavirus vaccines with a broad range of protection—known as “pan-coronavirus” vaccines—thus shielding people from viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), plus future coronaviruses.

“These new awards are designed to look ahead and prepare for the next generation of coronaviruses with pandemic potential,” said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci.

NIAID awarded Duke University more than $17 million, Brigham and Women’s Hospital almost $12 million, and University of Wisconsin $7 million for their unique research perspectives into potential vaccine development.

NIAID noted more funding should be coming in 2022 for other institutions researching pan-coronavirus vaccines.