NIAID Begins Trial of Zika Virus Vaccine

With homegrown Zika cases a reality in the United States, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has launched a clinical trial of an investigational vaccine.

The early-stage study will evaluate the vaccine candidate’s safety and ability to generate an immune system response. At least 80 healthy volunteers ages 18-35 are expected to participate. Scientists at NIAID’s Vaccine Research Center developed the “NIAID Zika virus investigational DNA vaccine” this year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50 countries and territories have active Zika virus transmission. In the U.S and its territories, more than 6,400 cases have been reported — including more than two dozen suspected of being transmitted by mosquitoes in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Although Zika infections are usually asymptomatic, infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.

“NIAID worked expeditiously to ready a vaccine candidate, and results in animal testing have been very encouraging,” said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, MD. “Although it will take some time before a vaccine against Zika is commercially available, the launch of this study is an important step forward.”

From Decisions in Dentistry. September 2016;2(09):12.