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Japan's Nipah Virus Vaccine Enters Human Trials in April Breakthrough

Researchers from the University of Tokyo will begin Phase 1 human trials for a Nipah virus vaccine candidate in Belgium this April. The vaccine works by inserting Nipah genetic material into a modified measles virus to trigger a protective immune response. This development is critical as Nipah, a zoonotic disease primarily from bats, has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment and a high fatality rate. The news follows recent cases in India and coincides with a separate Oxford University vaccine trial underway in Bangladesh.

Key Points: Japan's Nipah Vaccine Human Trials Start in April

  • Human trials start in April in Belgium
  • Uses modified measles virus platform
  • Targets 40-75% fatality rate disease
  • No licensed vaccine currently exists
2 min read

Japanese researchers to begin human trial for Nipah vaccine in April

Japanese researchers begin human trials for a Nipah virus vaccine in April, targeting a disease with a 40-75% fatality rate and no current cure.

"The immune system's response is seen strengthening the body's defenses, helping to prevent the onset of symptoms - Nikkei Asia report"

New Delhi, Feb 4

A team of researchers in Japan has announced a clinical trial to confirm a vaccine's efficacy against the deadly Nipah virus in humans.

The vaccine candidate developed at the University of Tokyo is set to start clinical trials in Belgium in April, Nikkei Asia, a Japan-based English-language news magazine, reported.

The new vaccine offers a potential breakthrough against a disease whose fatality rate is estimated to be between 40 per cent and 75 per cent.

Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Nipah virus infection.

The latest development comes even as India reported two confirmed cases of Nipah virus from West Bengal in January.

The new vaccine is reportedly being developed by inserting a portion of the Nipah virus's genetic information into the measles virus.

"When the vaccine is introduced in humans, antigen proteins similar to those of the Nipah virus are produced. The immune system's response is seen strengthening the body's defenses, helping to prevent the onset of symptoms," the report said.

"The modified measles virus, widely used globally for measles vaccines," it added.

The team has already established the vaccine's efficacy and safety in animal trials with hamsters.

To confirm the vaccine's safety in humans, the Phase 1 clinical trial will involve 60 subjects.

Separately, a team from Oxford University began Phase 2 clinical trials with a Nipah vaccine candidate in Bangladesh in December. About 300 people aged 18 to 55 are expected to participate.

Nipah virus infection has also been designated as a priority disease under the World Health Organization's (WHO) Research and Development Blueprint.

Nipah is a zoonotic disease that is primarily transmitted from bats to humans, either directly or through contaminated food.

It can also spread from animals such as pigs to humans, and in some cases between people through close and prolonged contact, particularly in health-care settings.

In humans, Nipah virus infection can range from asymptomatic illness to severe respiratory disease and fatal encephalitis. Globally, the case fatality rate is estimated to be between 40 per cent and 75 per cent, depending on early detection and quality of clinical care.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Good to see progress, but I hope our own ICMR and Indian pharma companies are also working on this. We can't always rely on foreign research for diseases that affect our region. Need more investment in our R&D.
R
Rohit P
The part about it being based on the measles vaccine is clever. Using a proven, safe platform could speed up development. Fingers crossed for the 60 volunteers in Belgium. Brave souls.
S
Sarah B
Living in a state that had outbreaks, this news is a relief. But vaccine is one part. We also need better public awareness about avoiding raw date palm sap and contact with sick animals. Prevention is key.
V
Vikram M
Oxford is also doing trials in Bangladesh. Good to see multiple efforts. Hope the results are shared openly so the whole world benefits, especially South and Southeast Asia where Nipah is a threat.
K
Kavya N
After COVID, any news about vaccine development for deadly viruses makes me hopeful. But let's also ensure equitable distribution. Last time, richer countries hoarded doses. WHO making it a priority disease is a good step.

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