Introduction
Nipah virus is a deadly disease that can kill up to 75% of infected people. It is transmitted by fruit bats and can also spread from animals to humans or from person to person. There is no vaccine or treatment for Nipah virus, which poses a serious threat to public health in South-East Asia and beyond.
Oxford Vaccine Trial
In a major breakthrough, scientists at the University of Oxford have launched the first-in-human trial of a vaccine against Nipah virus. The vaccine, called ChAdOx1 NipahB, uses the same viral vector platform that was used for the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The trial aims to test the safety and immune response of the vaccine in 51 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 55. The trial is funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), a global partnership that supports the development of vaccines for emerging infectious diseases.
Global Health Impact
The Oxford vaccine trial is a milestone in the fight against Nipah virus, which has caused outbreaks in Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh and India since it was first identified 25 years ago. The most recent outbreak occurred in Kerala, India, in September 2023, killing 12 people. The World Health Organization has listed Nipah virus as a priority disease that requires urgent research and development. A vaccine against Nipah virus could prevent future outbreaks and save millions of lives.
Conclusion
The Oxford scientists behind the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine have shown remarkable innovation and leadership in developing vaccines for pandemic pathogens. Their work on Nipah virus is an example of how science can advance global health and security. The results of the trial are expected to be available later this year.