Medhealth insight

Protecting the next generation: Valneva aims chikungunya with vaccine for young ones

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A crucial step has been taken towards protecting children from chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease causing debilitating joint pain and fever. Valneva, a vaccine company, has begun enrolling children in a phase 2 trial to test its single-shot chikungunya vaccine in this age group.

Currently, only adults above 18 can access Valneva’s vaccine, Ixchiq, which recently received approval in the US. This trial aims to expand its reach, potentially safeguarding younger populations most vulnerable to mosquito bites and subsequent infections. Around 300 healthy children aged one to eleven will participate in the study, taking place in the Dominican Republic and possibly Honduras. They will receive either a full or half dose of the vaccine or a control vaccine. Researchers will closely monitor their safety and immune response to the vaccine.

Valneva’s Chief Medical Officer, Juan Carlos Jaramillo, underscores the importance of this trial, stating that chikungunya poses a significant threat to children in endemic areas and that making the vaccine accessible to all ages is crucial.

With successful results, Valneva hopes to move to a larger phase 3 trial in children, paving the way for regulatory approvals and broader vaccination programs. This could significantly reduce the impact of chikungunya, a disease responsible for millions of cases and a substantial economic burden, particularly in the Americas.

Valneva is committed to making the vaccine accessible beyond high-income countries. It has partnered with Brazil’s Instituto Butantan to develop and manufacture a version of the vaccine specifically for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This trial marks a promising step towards a future where children are protected from the painful and debilitating effects of chikungunya. With Valneva’s efforts and broader collaborations, chikungunya prevention could become a reality for individuals of all ages, across the globe.

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