Doctors test first mRNA vaccine against norovirus

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Annika Danielmeier/watson.de

Norovirus, which is widespread around the world, is responsible for most gastrointestinal infections, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Anyone infected with the virus can develop symptoms of nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. It is highly contagious and can spread quickly from person to person.

There are not many precautions you can take beyond general hygiene rules. There is currently no vaccine for norovirus. Doctors have now begun testing the world's first mRNA vaccine against norovirus.

Norovirus vaccine made with mRNA technology is being tested

The vaccine will undergo a Phase 3 clinical trial called Nova 301. Within two years, it will include 25,000 people from Japan, Canada, Australia and other countries, mainly people over 60 years oldAccording to the Guardian. Mobile teams will also be used to make it easier for people to participate in research.

Half of the participants will receive the new mRNA vaccine, and the other half will receive a saline solution as a placebo. Assignment is random.

The study involves agencies across the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and Moderna, the pharmaceutical company that produces the vaccine. Norovirus vaccines are based on mRNA technology, which Moderna and Pizer/Biontech have already used to produce vaccines against coronaviruses.

Early trials of a new norovirus vaccine are said to have shown strong immune responses in humans. The study now aims to investigate whether the vaccine is effective against the virus itself and, if so, how long the protection lasts. “At least 65% (efficacy) or higher is what we consider to be clinically meaningful.”The Guardian quotes Dr. Dolan Fink from Moderna.

Norovirus threatens elderly, sick people

Norovirus outbreaks often occur in hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, or schools. Infection can have serious consequences, especially in young or old people and people with weakened immune systems. Professor Saul Foster of the University of Southampton reportedly said a successful vaccine would help nursing homes maintain normal operations.

General Practitioner and Research Director Dr. Patrick Moore highlights how heavy the burden of norovirus is. There are approximately 685 million cases and 200,000 deaths worldwide each year. In the UK, there are around four million cases each year.

People hope vaccines will bring health and economic benefits. “Norovirus costs the NHS around £100m a year in the UK [und] If lost revenue is included, the loss is around £300 million. ” Moore said.

If the study results are positive, we expect to be able to submit an application for vaccine approval in 2026. However, the review process will take up to a year. Further research is needed among adolescents and young adults.

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