Researchers receive $10M to fight COVID-19

The COVID-19 Vaccines, Treatments and Therapies program recently awarded 23 research groups $10 million in grant funding for COVID-19 treatments and therapies.

Of the $10 million, $430,000 was awarded to a project that will support the build-out of physical infrastructure, nearly $1.2 million was awarded to five therapy projects, almost $1.6 million was awarded to five treatment projects, and $6.8 million was awarded to 12 vaccine projects.

The research includes the acceleration of vaccine development efforts, the development of a protective antibody for at-risk individuals, the development of a research and training space to accelerate the pace of COVID-19 treatment development, and the use of cancer medications on COVID-19 patients.

“We know that the only way we can get back to our normal lives is by developing a robust testing and tracing infrastructure combined with effective, safe, and affordable treatments and vaccines,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “The funding awarded today will jumpstart a number of promising projects that would help Pennsylvania overcome this devastating global pandemic, setting us on a path to recovery and protection both now and in the future.”

The program was funded by the COVID-19 Emergency Supplement to the General Appropriation Act of 2019. The Pennsylvania Department of Health administers the program through a Notice of Subgrant by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Office of Technology and Innovation.