Center for Vaccine Research

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Expert faculty members in the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine are at the helm of a new COVID-19 Medical Response Office, which will oversee the implementation of a virus monitoring program on all five Pitt campuses. The program will direct the University’s COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, reporting procedures and isolation and quarantine protocols.

Through good times and bad, the University’s phones never stop ringing—ever wonder who answers? For two decades, it’s been Senior Switchboard Operator Lin Haberman and a small team. Learn how the calls have changed over the years and get a behind-the-scenes look at how COVID-19 is different from any other event the switchboard’s seen.