U.S. Army Scientists Exploring DNA Vaccines

U.S. Army scientists are studying a new DNA vaccine-delivery method that is needle-free and painless, said a senior Army research scientist at Fort Detrick, Md.

One of the newest DNA vaccine-delivery methods relies on technology known as the “gene gun,” which is capable of delivering the vaccine directly into cells. This needle-free vaccination method is more cost-effective, and it’s less painful for the recipient.

“DNA offers a number of advantages over conventional vaccine approaches, especially with regard to biodefense vaccines. This is important when rapid vaccine development is needed for a newly emerging disease threat or possibly for a genetically engineered biological warfare pathogen,” Dr. Connie Schmaljohn, senior research scientist at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) told “Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military” listeners during a live audio webcast on May 27.

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