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Ebola vaccine: Promising phase I trials

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Date:May 3, 2016Source:German Center for Infection ResearchSummary:The clinical phase I trial of a potential vaccine against the dreaded Ebola virus has been successfully completed at four partner sites in Africa and Europe. The safety of the tested vaccine 'rVSV-ZEBOV', which induces persistent antibodies against the virus, has been confirmed by researchers.

"The results for tolerability, safety, and the immune response to the vaccine candidate are very promising," explains Prof Marylyn Addo. The antibodies which developed against the virus were still detectable after six months. Addo is convinced, "With this, a single vaccine could provide lasting protection against Ebola." The infectious disease specialist, who works for the German Center for Infection Research at the University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE) in Hamburg, led the trial in Hamburg. A total of 158 healthy adult volunteers were tested in Hamburg, as well as at the partner sites in Geneva (Switzerland), Lambaréné; (Gabon) and Kilifi (Kenya).

The scientists involved are participants in VEBCON, a consortium of experts founded by the WHO, the goal of which is rapid and coordinated clinical testing of the Ebola vaccine in Africa. A vaccine is still urgently needed, since the current Ebola epidemic has not yet been completely defeated and future outbreaks cannot be ruled out.

About the trial

Across the four locations, a total of 158 healthy volunteers were vaccinated with increasing doses of the potential vaccine. A double-blind study was conducted in Geneva. The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine that was used is an attenuated, genetically modified strain of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), which bears a surface protein of the Ebola virus. The goal is to help the vaccinated person's immune system produce antibodies to prevent an outbreak of the disease upon contact with the Ebola virus. For the first time, scientists have tested the vaccine's safety, tolerability and immune response in humans.

see more at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160503131401.htm

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