Tulane researchers have been awarded a $150,000 grant to begin working on a second-generation COVID-19 vaccine.
The first generation vaccine is not available yet, but Tulane Microbiologist Dr. Lisa Morici says the sooner version 2.0 is available the better.
“History has shown us that often times the fastest vaccine is not always the best vaccine and that is because we learn a lot more over time about the virus itself,” said Morici.
Morici’s work will involve adding bacteria-based adjuvants to vaccines that are already in development with the goal of strengthening those existing vaccines.
The top first-gen vaccine candidates are all designed to produce coronavirus antibodies, but Morici warns those antibodies may not last long. That’s why version 2.0 is needed.
“Hopefully it will elicit longer lasting immunities so that we do not require as many doses or yearly booster doses,” said Morici.
Morici points to polio as an example of another disease that required more than just one round of vaccines for maximum effectiveness.
“Throughout history we have seen new and improved vaccines that can overcome some of the limitations of the first generation vaccine,” says Morici.
The grants are being funded by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.
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