Oxford Begins Human Trial for Lassa Fever Vaccine with First Volunteer

The Oxford Vaccine Group has initiated a significant human trial for a Lassa fever vaccine, marking a critical step in combating this deadly disease. The first volunteer has been vaccinated as part of a study funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The trial takes place in Oxford, with plans for a second phase 1 trial scheduled to begin in Ghana early next year.

Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, poses a serious public health risk due to its potential for widespread outbreaks. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified it as a priority pathogen, underscoring the urgent need for research and development. The primary goal of this trial is to evaluate the safety and immune response generated by the ChAdOx1 Lassa vaccine, which is designed to protect against the virus that is endemic in parts of West Africa.

In total, 31 participants aged between 18 and 55 will take part in this trial. The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents, particularly the multimammate mouse. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including deafness, bleeding, and in some cases, death. The urgency of developing a vaccine is highlighted by projections that suggest up to 700 million people could be living in areas at risk of Lassa fever by 2070, with no licensed vaccines or treatments currently available.

The ChAdOx1 Lassa vaccine was developed by researchers at the Pandemic Sciences Institute at the University of Oxford. Utilizing the same viral vector platform as the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, which is estimated to have saved approximately 6 million lives in its first year, this new vaccine aims to offer similar protection against Lassa fever.

Professor Maheshi Ramasamy, Chief Investigator of the trial at the Oxford Vaccine Group, expressed enthusiasm about the study’s launch. “Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have in global health: they save lives, stop outbreaks, and strengthen health systems, and so we’re delighted to start the VITAL01 Lassa fever vaccine study here in Oxford,” she stated.

Ramasamy emphasized the importance of this research in the context of Oxford’s extensive experience in developing vaccines for emerging infections and pandemics. “This study is a crucial step toward protecting vulnerable communities from the devastating impact of Lassa fever,” she added.

Support for the vaccine’s development has also come from CEPI, which facilitated early preclinical research. Alongside this new clinical trial, efforts to advance a Lassa vaccine toward licensure are being coordinated by the Lassa Fever Coalition. This consortium, led by the West African Health Organization (WAHO) and supported by CEPI and other partners, comprises West African leaders and public health experts. Their focus is on accelerating the development and equitable distribution of Lassa fever vaccines across affected regions.

As the trial progresses, the hope is that this vaccine will contribute significantly to global health efforts in controlling Lassa fever and protecting communities at risk.