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Local News | April 11, 2025

Clinical Trials Center Seeks Volunteers for Staphylococcus Aureus Study

By Sidney Hinds, Naval Medical Research Command's Clinical Trials Center

Naval Medical Research Command’s Clinical Trials Center is seeking volunteers for a phase 1 clinical vaccine trial to evaluate the LTB-SA7 vaccine for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

LTB-SA7 is intended to reduce frequency and severity of infections caused by S. aureus, a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections in U.S. military populations. 

S. aureus can impact readiness, and due to the antimicrobial resistance of the bacteria, keep warfighters away from the mission. Infections are highly communicable, and can spread quickly in crowded living environments, common throughout the fleet. “These infections are quite common in the military,” observed Lt. Cmdr. Jacqueline Clerc, deputy director of the CTC. “A safe and effective vaccine to reduce the burden of staph infections would significantly improve the lives of service members and reduce the amount of antibiotics needed.” 

The CTC study, which began in December 2024, recently completed vaccination of the first cohort of participants. 

“From interacting directly with participants, we knew that there were no major safety concerns, and felt encouraged that the Data Safety Monitoring Board [an independent group of physicians and scientists that evaluate clinical trials for safety and integrity] concurred,” said Cmdr. Nehkonti Adams, CTC director. 

“Understanding the evolving health concerns in the operational environment is critical to service member readiness, fitness and lethal capacity,” added Clerc. “We're especially proud to have two Hospital Corpsmen as members of the team. Their direct involvement in this trial provides invaluable experience in clinical skills crucial to military medical readiness.” 

The study is open to healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 50. Participants must have a body mass index between 19-35, and will need to complete at least seven in-person visits over seven to eight months. 

Active duty personnel must complete a supervisor’s approval form as part of the study. Participants may be eligible for compensation. 

If you would like to participate or have any questions, please contact the NMRC CTC at 301-295-4735 (call) or 301-233-9640 (text), or via e-mail at usn.nmrc.ctc@health.mil to schedule an appointment, at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Building 17B (2nd floor). 

The NMRC CTC evaluates vaccines, therapeutics, prophylactics in human subjects to advance products from the laboratory to the front line and maximize the medical readiness of the warfighter. NMRC is engaged in a broad spectrum of activities, from basic science in the laboratory to field studies in austere and remote areas of the world to investigations in operational environments. In support of the Navy, Marine Corps and joint U.S. warfighters, researchers study infectious diseases, biological warfare detection and defense, combat casualty care, environmental health concerns, aerospace and undersea medicine, medical modeling, simulation, operational mission support, epidemiology and behavioral sciences.
 

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