Clinical Trials for Rabies Vaccine Underway in Tanzania

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Rabies vaccine clinical trials
Clinical Trials Facility in Tanzania. Credit: Ifakara Health Institute

Scientists have begun administering a novel rabies vaccine to participants part of phase Ib/II trials in Tanzania.

Every year, more than 50,000 people die from rabies. Although the disease has a 100% case fatality rate, it is 100% preventable with vaccinations. However, currently available rabies vaccines are expensive and require multiple doses. Therefore, scientists are on the search for a low-cost, single-dose option with similar efficacy.

Many people are unaware that rabies still kills about 50,000 people every year, mostly in Asia and Africa – it’s the only known viral infection with essentially 100% fatality.

Dr. Sandy Douglas, Chief trial investigator

The new RAB002 trial aims to test the efficacy of a new rabies vaccine developed by the University of Oxford. Similar to the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, it uses a weakened adenovirus. The genetically modified, weakened cold virus helps carry the viral protein; thus, evoking an immune response.

As part of the trial, 192 participants will either receive one dose of Oxford’s ChAdOx2 RabG vaccine, or one or two doses of an existing rabies vaccine. The trial will assess the efficacy of Oxford’s candidate and compare it to that of existing vaccines. A year after the study vaccination, participants will further receive two doses of an existing rabies vaccine. Thus, providing participants with strong protection against rabies. Furthermore, the researchers aim to investigate whether the new vaccine creates a strong immunological memory.

The team at the University of Oxford are conducting the trial in Tanzania in collaboration with the Ifakara Health Institute.

Unlike existing vaccines, Oxford’s vaccine candidate is designed for use as a single-dose vaccine. The repeated dosing often reduces compliance and limits availability, especially in areas with low resources. Therefore, researchers hope the single-dose option will help facilitate compliance and reduce vaccine inequities in poor communities.

Source: University of Oxford

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