The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a component of the National Institutes of Health, has outlined a strategic plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The priorities include: -

• Acquiring basic knowledge of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, characterizing the molecular structure and antigenic factors and defining the epidemiology of COVID-19.
• Developing rapid sensitive and specific diagnostic assays for the virus and to detect and quantify an antibody response.
• Evaluating potential therapeutic agents for COVID-19 including remdesivir, antibody-based treatment, immune stimulation, and monoclonal antibodies.
• Developing a safe and effective vaccine based on previous studies on MERS and SARS coronavirus infections

NIAID has considerable experience in designing, implementing, and analyzing projects to establish the efficacy and safety of vaccines.