Center for Vaccine Research

Thursday, February 4, 2021
A scientific detective story that unfolded in Pitt’s Center for Vaccine Research unearths how the virus that causes COVID-19 evolves new variants that evade antibodies. Director Paul Duprex says this evolution is why it’s important to develop multiple tools to fight the pandemic.

Thursday, December 17, 2020
With the delivery of the first batches of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, providers and laypeople alike have questions about the technologies behind them. Pitt Med magazine enlisted Jeremy Berg, Pitt’s associate senior vice chancellor for science strategy and planning in the health sciences, to help explain.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020
On Monday, Moderna became the second company to announce promising early results of its Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial. The Pittsburgh site, led by Pitt’s Judy Martin, has seen more than 250 Pittsburghers roll up their sleeves to volunteer.

Monday, November 9, 2020
Four Pitt experts offer their thoughts on Pfizer’s announcement today of a vaccine that early data show is more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19.

Thursday, November 5, 2020
Research published today in Science describes a new method to extract tiny but extremely powerful antibody fragments from llamas, which could then be fashioned into inhalable therapeutics for COVID-19. Tune in today at 3 p.m. EST for a press conference on the findings.

Friday, October 16, 2020
If you missed yesterday’s panel discussion on rolling out a vaccine for COVID-19, watch the recording here, or read highlights from a wide-ranging discussion.

Thursday, October 15, 2020
Pitt’s Jonas Salk Chair for Vaccine Research explains why we need multiple candidate vaccines, what’s special about SARS-CoV-2 and why he’s hopeful about the future.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020
When Jonas Salk and his Pitt team, supported by March of Dimes, tackled the polio pandemic, they came up with creative ways to make and distribute the vaccine. Dr. Rahul Gupta of March of Dimes explains why that sort of approach is needed to eradicate COVID-19 today.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Published as part of a four-article package today in JAMA, research led by Pitt’s Derek Angus found that an inexpensive treatment of steroids can substantially improve survival in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The findings, part of a multi-site global trial, were so stark that the World Health Organization is updating its treatment guidance for the disease.

Friday, July 17, 2020
Proceeds from a new Pitt Athletics T-shirt are supporting the Center for Vaccine Research in its work developing a COVID-19 vaccine to emerge “Over Fate and Foe Victorious.”