Coronavirus Research

Two people seated at a table in front of a panel that reads "Penn Medicine" many times over. The person on the left is wearing a gray suit, with a white shirt and red tie. The person on the right is wearing glasses, an orange shirt, and a black cardigan.

Penn mRNA pioneers receive the Princess of Asturias Award

Drew Weissman and Katalin Karikó earned the prestigious honor for their foundational research that led to development of two lifesaving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

Black hospital patient in bed with nurse in full PPE preparing to put oxygen mask on patient’s face.

Higher COVID-19 mortality among Black patients linked to unequal hospital quality

If Black patients were admitted to the same hospitals that serve a majority of white patients, Penn Medicine researchers show their risk of death would drop by 10%.

Nurse in full PPE including a face shield.

A year later: Penn LDI COVID-19 rapid response research grant projects

The Rapid Response Grants for COVID-19 research projects have produced important new insights relevant to current pandemic response, as well as preparations for future infectious disease emergencies.

A unique but exemplary academic year: 2020-21 in review

A challenging yet successful year—Penn’s exceptional community of dedicated students, faculty, and staff overcame the world’s most significant obstacles to flourish, from outreach locally through volunteerism, to helping the world globally with mRNA technology. The 2021 academic year highlighted the best of Penn.

New drug may bypass SARS-CoV-2 blockade of innate immune response

Researchers led by Sara Cherry of the Perelman School of Medicine have identified a drug that may prevent and treat COVID-19 by activating the body’s immune response.

Microscopic view of lung epithelial cells.

Researchers discover drug that blocks multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants

The drug diABZI—which activates the body’s innate immune response—was highly effective in preventing severe COVID-19 in mice that were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and likely other coronaviruses.

Low on antibodies, blood cancer patients can fight off COVID-19 with T cells

T cells can step up to do the job when antibodies are depleted, suggests a new Penn Medicine study of blood cancer patients with COVID-19.

UPenn working on rapid COVID test that delivers results within minutes

César de la Fuente of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about the rapid COVID-19 diagnostic test he and his team are developing. "This particular one is made out of cardboard, so it's recyclable and low cost," he said.

Gloved hands holding a smart phone with a cord plugged in that is attached to lab equipment.

Rapid COVID-19 diagnostic test delivers accurate results within 4 minutes

The low-cost biosensor test developed by Penn Medicine could extend COVID-19 testing with 90% accuracy to remote and disadvantaged areas.

Meet the woman who helped make Pfizer and Moderna vaccines possible

Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about their work developing mRNA-based vaccines.

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