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By Ali Glass // May 2, 2023
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be a significant public health challenge worldwide, with millions of new cases reported each year. According to the CDC's 2021 Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance data, reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis all increased between 2020 and 2021 – reaching a total of more than 2.5 million cases. Despite advancements in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, the development of effective vaccines to combat these infections is urgently needed. In response to this pressing issue, the Sexually Transmitted Infections Cooperative Research Centers (STICRCs) have been established to accelerate the development of vaccines for STIs.
The STICRC initiative is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative effort that brings together scientists, clinicians, and public health experts to address the most critical challenges in STI vaccine development. Research grants fund the centers, promoting innovative projects to create effective and safe vaccines for STIs such as human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
One of STICRC's key strengths is its collaborative research approach. By assembling experts from diverse fields like immunology, microbiology, epidemiology, and clinical research, the centers address STI vaccine development's complex challenges more comprehensively and efficiently. This cross-disciplinary strategy ensures the latest scientific knowledge and technological advancements are utilized in vaccine development.
Recently, the National Institute of Health announced a specific Funding Opportunity for advancing vaccine candidates for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, local and state governments, independent school districts, and foreign institutions/foreign components of U.S. institutions. The $8.4 million grant will fund approximately 2 to 3 awards in 2024, with the annual award budget not expected to exceed $1.4 million. Clinical trials are not allowed under this grant, and applications are due by June 14, 2023.
The success of the STICRC initiative relies heavily on the support of research grants and funding, which are essential for driving innovative research and collaboration. By investing in the STICRCs and the talented researchers working within them, we can move closer to a future where STI vaccines play a crucial role in preventing infections, reducing transmission, and improving public health outcomes.
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