# Integrin Activation to Augment SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

> **NIH NIH R43** · 7 HILLS PHARMA, LLC · 2021 · $297,724

## Abstract

Abstract
On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a global Coronavirus
Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The disease is characterized by severe flu-like symptoms,
with advanced age (>65 years) an important risk factor for SARS-CoV-2-induced death. Current
clinical stage CoV-2 vaccine programs must include this important and vulnerable population in
their initial testing, and generate rapid antibody and cellular specific responses to combat
disease. Integrin activating compounds are immune modulators that can potentiate productive
responses to vaccine antigens; our preliminary data gives us strong confidence they may be
similarly effective in enhancing effectiveness of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, especially in
aged populations. This study will directly test the hypothesis that a novel, proprietary integrin
activator (7HP349) delivered with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (RBD containing domain)
vaccine candidate will generate high titer neutralizing antibodies that will yield protective
outcome (neutralization) post challenge with viral agents. Our premise is that 7HP349 can be
used as oral immune activator to augment systemic immunity of vaccines as a prophylactic tool
to control spread of SARS-CoV-2. It is furthermore envisioned to be used with an existing
vaccine without requiring antigen reformulation. Our ultimate goal is to ameliorate coronavirus
burden and subsequent COVID-19 disease in both adult and aged individuals.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10254720
- **Project number:** 1R43AI162169-01
- **Recipient organization:** 7 HILLS PHARMA, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** JEFFREY K ACTOR
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $297,724
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-05-01 → 2022-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10254720

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10254720, Integrin Activation to Augment SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination (1R43AI162169-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10254720. Licensed CC0.

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