The woes of stomach flu may be over. Pharmaceutical company Moderna has launched a large-scale Phase 3 trial that will test its norovirus vaccine. This is a common and sometimes dangerous source of food poisoning.
modern Try Nova 301 It is due to kick into full gear this year. After volunteering for the first time last September. Approximately 25,000 volunteers over the age of 18 are expected to be enrolled in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. This will ultimately take two years to complete. People all over the world will be able to take part in the research. Including throughout the United States.
Norovirus is. The main cause of foodborne illness In America, with approximately 20 million cases per year, most norovirus cases are short-lived. (If feeling very unwell) Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and flu-like symptoms. This lasts for up to three days. For many, it is an excruciating but manageable pain. However, many people seek medical care. This leads to more than two million doctor visits and nearly half a million emergency room trips each year. In rare cases, The infection can be severe enough to require hospital treatment or death. About 100,000 Americans are hospitalized with norovirus, while 900 people die from it every year. It's a pair. Bigger problem In some parts of the world where sanitation and health programs are weaker
“Norovirus is a major public health issue affecting millions of people around the world each year. Resulting in severe symptoms and in some cases may require hospital treatment,” Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna, said in a statement. statement last fall “Advancing our investigational norovirus vaccine into a pivotal Phase 3 trial brings us one step closer to providing a new tool to prevent infection from this highly contagious virus. This places a significant burden on health systems around the world.”
Although norovirus has long been a thorn in humanity's side, But right now the urgency to produce a vaccine is certainly high. After a short period of slowdown throughout the pandemic era Norovirus has been on the rise of late in the United States. In the second half of 2024, approximately 500 norovirus outbreaks were reported, a significant increase compared to previous years. and norovirus this winter stay on track It was the worst experience in a decade.
Scientists also have Struggling to develop Successful Norovirus Vaccine In the past, viruses could not be grown in a lab or in small animals. which hinders our education Viruses are also resistant to our natural defenses. There are several types of norovirus that cause disease that spread at any one time. and recent infections This from one species does not necessarily protect you from another species. Our natural immunity to specific strains also tends to weaken over time. Only a few months old For some people
But recently Scientists have been able to create a powerful laboratory model for studying norovirus. And they've developed promising strategies for vaccination. Moderna's experimental vaccine, for example, attempts to build immunity by training the body to target virus-like particles (VLPs) that closely resemble norovirus. But no virus actually exists. The candidate uses the same basic mRNA technology used in Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine to achieve this goal. The mRNA vaccine stimulates the body's cells to produce a target protein that the immune system recognizes as a possible threat. (in this case, norovirus VLP)
The company's candidate is codenamed mRNA-1403 and is designed to induce immunity against at least three common noroviruses, which will hopefully guarantee broad-spectrum protection. Although norovirus is a terrible experience for everyone, But it is also more likely to cause serious illness in vulnerable populations, such as those with weakened immune systems and the elderly. Therefore, the majority of trial volunteers (20,000) will be over the age of 60. Other companies are conducting their own trials. Norovirus vaccine for children However, as well
There are more than 250 Nova 301 trial study sites worldwide, with more than 100 in the United States alone. Participants must be in general good health. (This may include having a well-controlled chronic health condition) and having no recent history of gastrointestinal illness, among other criteria. The main part of the trial is planned to last two years. It is expected to be completed by May 2027. Those interested in participating in the project can complete a survey created by Moderna. gentleman–