Nadine Rouphael, MD, conducts groundbreaking COVID-19 vaccine research

As COVID-19 vaccine research continues in the United States, Emory University remains at the forefront of random clinical trials. One of the investigators leading this groundbreaking research is Nadine Rouphael, MD, associate professor of medicine and interim director of the Hope Clinic, the clinic arm of the Emory Vaccine Center. She serves as the principal investigator for the Emory Vaccine and Treatment Unit (VTEU), and the clinical core principal investigator for the Emory/Stanford Human Immune Profiling Consortium (HIPC). In these roles, Rouphael oversees the clinical trial process, translating basic research discoveries into clinical advances.

“The coronavirus vaccine race is a global effort for mankind. We are so fortunate at Emory to be part of that research endeavor to end the pandemic,” Rouphael said.

Rouphael is part of the moderna mRNA vaccine phase 1 trial (NCT04283461) being conducted at the Hope Clinic and the Emory Children’s Center. This first in-human study is showing promising results, with phase 3 planned for July.

Emory University was the first site in the U.S. to be engaged in both therapeutic and vaccine trials. The Emory VTEU and National Ebola Training and Education Center completed the remdesivir placebo-controlled trial part of the NIH-funded Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACCT) (NCT04280705) by leading enrollment worldwide. For the first time ever, a therapeutic agent led to a reduction in hospital stay, setting a new standard of care for COVID-19 treatment, as announced by Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Emory is currently enrolling in a follow-up study where patients are receiving remdesivir with or without baricitinib, an immune modulator.

Rouphael also serves as the national chair for the Immunophenotyping Assessment in a COVID-19 Cohort, or IMPACC, a nationwide effort to better understand the immunology, virology, and outcomes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

“The IMPACC study is a unique opportunity to leverage clinical data and samples with cutting edge technology,” Rouphael said. “By analyzing the immune responses of diverse participants enrolled in the study, we aim to better understand why some cases of COVID-19 worsen, while other patients recover.”

Rouphael is proud of the progress the medical community is making as it relates to COVID-19 research.

“Together as a community, as scientists, and healthcare professionals, we are rising up to the biggest challenge of our time,” said Rouphael. “I am moved by the overwhelming support of everyone and am impressed by the tireless commitment and unparalleled passion by the Hope Clinic team and many others at Emory to make a difference in the fight against COVID-19.”

To learn more about COVID-19 research at Emory, visit the Emory News Center.