Infectious Disease Clinical Trials Update: Week 33, 2026

Published August 14, 2026 — 5 trials covered

By Victor Lafforgue, Founder of TrialsAlert. Blog posts are AI-drafted from ClinicalTrials.gov source data and reviewed by the editorial team. See our editorial policy for details.

A Study to Learn About BNT162b2 (LP.8.1)-Adapted Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2 in Children 5 Through 11 Years of Age That Are Considered at Higher Risk of Severe COVID-19

This Phase 3 trial tested an updated COVID-19 vaccine specifically designed for children aged 5 to 11 who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The study enrolled 344 participants across 29 sites in the United States and Puerto Rico, aiming to provide safer and more effective protection for vulnerable children. Results from this trial are still pending but could lead to improved vaccination options for these young patients.

A Study to Learn About a COVID-19 Vaccine in Healthy Adults 18 Through 64 Years of Age

This ongoing Phase 4 study is evaluating an updated COVID-19 vaccine in healthy adults between 18 and 64 years old. By studying safety and immune response, the trial aims to offer better protection for this age group. The study is recruiting participants in the United States and will last about one year, potentially informing future vaccine recommendations for adults.

A Study to Evaluate 20vPnC in Healthy Chinese Infants

This Phase 3 trial is testing a new 20-valent pneumococcal vaccine in healthy infants aged 42 to 98 days in China. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious infections, and this vaccine may provide broader protection than the current 13-valent version. The trial is actively recruiting and involves vaccinations over the first 15 months of life, which could improve prevention of pneumococcal diseases in infants.

A Study of Baricitinib (LY3009104) in Children With COVID-19

This Phase 3 trial studied the drug baricitinib in children aged 1 to under 18 years who were hospitalized with COVID-19. The goal was to see if baricitinib is safe and effective for treating pediatric COVID-19 cases. The trial included multiple countries and has already reported results, which may offer new treatment options for children affected by severe COVID-19.

Early Sepsis Recognition Tool

This study is testing the Phoenix Sepsis Score, a tool designed to help doctors recognize sepsis early in children across Asia. Early detection is important because it allows for faster treatment, which can improve outcomes for children with infections that lead to sepsis. The trial is recruiting up to 40,000 children at 19 sites in several Asian countries, aiming to make sepsis detection quicker and more reliable.

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