The University of Oxford has commenced human trials for a potential vaccine against the deadly Nipah virus, a significant development in the battle against this devastating disease. Named ‘ChAdOx1 NipahB,’ the vaccine aims to address the pressing need for a preventive measure against Nipah virus outbreaks, which have caused substantial damage in various parts of Asia.
Nipah virus, considered the second most fatal disease globally after rabies, claims the lives of approximately 75% of infected individuals. Unlike rabies, there is currently no vaccine available for Nipah virus. The Pandemic Sciences Institute at the University of Oxford has led the creation of the ‘ChAdOx1 NipahB’ vaccine, with the Oxford Vaccine Group overseeing the initiation of human trials.
Professor Brian Angus, principal investigator of the trial and professor of infectious diseases at the University of Oxford, highlighted the significance of the endeavor. Nipah virus is categorized as a priority pandemic pathogen due to its high mortality rate and transmission characteristics. The vaccine trial is a crucial milestone in finding a solution to prevent local outbreaks and prepare for potential global pandemics.
The Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1998, and Bangladesh has experienced outbreaks since 2001. The virus, carried by a type of fruit bat, spreads through saliva or bat droppings contaminating fresh date juice. In 2023, Bangladesh reported 14 cases of Nipah virus, resulting in 10 fatalities. The danger of infection is increasing, with new risks emerging, including the impact on children and adolescents, detection of the virus in breast milk, and recent sightings in Narsingdi.
The vaccine trial will involve 51 individuals aged between 18 and 55 years. Some participants will receive double shots of the ‘ChAdOx1 NipahB’ vaccine, while others will receive a single shot or a placebo (saltwater). The vaccine, created with a weaker specimen of chimpanzee adenovirus, contains a crucial component of Nipah virus called ‘Glycoprotein G.’ The goal is to determine whether individuals receiving the vaccine develop immunity against Nipah virus.
The technology used to create the Nipah virus vaccine is similar to that employed for the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The Nipah vaccine will undergo trial applications in several countries affected by the virus, including Bangladesh. This development marks a significant milestone in addressing the global threat posed by Nipah virus outbreaks.
