Coronavirus vaccine development in the United States accelerated rapidly as researchers in Pittsburgh and Boston launched two separate programs targeting SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Both efforts represent a significant step forward in the global race to find a safe and effective solution to a public health crisis that has affected millions of people worldwide.
Coronavirus Vaccine Research at the University of Pittsburgh
Coronavirus vaccine work by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine was published in EBioMedicine, a journal by The Lancet. Their approach introduced a novel delivery method: a fingertip-sized microneedle patch applied directly to the skin. Rather than a traditional injection, this patch delivers the virus’s spike protein transdermally, triggering an immune response that could protect against infection.
The microneedle array was specifically designed to increase vaccine potency, offering a delivery format that may be easier to distribute and administer on a large scale. Researchers noted that their familiarity with earlier coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV from 2003 and MERS-CoV from 2014, gave them a critical head start.
“We had previous experience on SARS-CoV in 2003 and MERS-CoV in 2014,” explained Dr. Andrea Gambotto, co-senior author of the study. “We knew precisely how to combat this new virus. That’s why it’s important to fund vaccine research. You never know where the next pandemic will come from.”
Janssen and BIDMC Partner on a COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate
Coronavirus vaccine development also moved forward through a collaboration between Janssen Pharmaceutical Co., a Johnson & Johnson division, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston. Janssen initiated preclinical testing of multiple candidates under the direction of Dr. Dan Barouch, a leading researcher at BIDMC’s Center for Virology and Vaccine Research.
The two organizations aimed to identify a viable COVID-19 vaccine candidate for clinical trials before the end of the year. Their partnership built on prior experience developing vaccines for Zika, HIV, Ebola, and RSV using Janssen’s proprietary AdVac and PER.C6 technologies, platforms designed for rapid and large-scale production.
“This collaboration with Janssen is aimed at the development of a COVID-19 vaccine that would allow for rapid development, large-scale manufacturing, and global delivery,” said Dr. Barouch.
Janssen also secured support from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, further strengthening the program’s resources and reach.
Why Clinical Trials Are Central to Coronavirus Vaccine Progress
Coronavirus vaccine candidates must go through rigorous clinical trial phases before reaching the public. These trials evaluate safety, dosage, and efficacy across diverse patient populations. Without this process, no vaccine can receive regulatory approval or be deployed at scale.
At FOMAT, we support clinical trials across a range of therapeutic areas, including infectious diseases and vaccines. Our investigator site network is structured to enroll diverse participant groups efficiently, making us a capable partner for sponsors and CROs working on time-sensitive programs.
If your organization is developing or evaluating a coronavirus vaccine or any other infectious disease treatment, FOMAT has the infrastructure and experience to support your trial from Phase I through Phase IV.
COVID-19 vaccine research depends not only on laboratory discoveries but also on the availability of clinical trial sites equipped to enroll and monitor participants safely. Research networks with established infrastructure play an essential role in translating early findings into approved therapies. FOMAT supports this mission by providing sponsors with access to experienced investigators and diverse patient populations across the United States, helping move promising candidates from preclinical phases into human trials as efficiently as possible.
Stay Informed on Vaccine and Infectious Disease Research
To read the original news coverage, click here. To learn more about our active infectious disease studies, click here.