Doctors test first mRNA vaccine against norovirus

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the norovirus, which is widespread worldwide, is the cause of a large proportion of gastrointestinal infections. Those who catch the virus suffer from nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. It is very contagious and can spread quickly from person to person.

There is not much that can be done preventively beyond general hygiene rules. There is currently no vaccine against the norovirus. However, doctors have now begun to test the world’s first mRNA vaccine against the norovirus.

Norovirus vaccine based on mRNA technology is being tested

The vaccine is to undergo a phase three clinical trial called Nova 301. In two years, 25,000 people, mainly over 60 years old, from countries such as Japan, Canada and Australia are to be involved, reports the Guardian. Mobile teams are also to be used to make it easier for people to participate in the trial.

Half of the participants are to receive the new mRNA vaccine and the other half a saline solution as a placebo. The assignment follows at random.

Various institutions of the British National Health Service (NHS) and the pharmaceutical company Moderna, which manufactures the vaccine, are involved in the study. The norovirus vaccine is based on an mRNA technology with which the company Moderna, but also Pizer/Biontech, have already produced a vaccine against the corona virus.

In an earlier trial with the new norovirus vaccine, strong immune reactions are said to have already been detected in humans. The study is now about investigating whether the vaccine is effective against the virus itself and, if so, how long the protection lasts. “At least 65 percent (efficacy) or more is what we would consider clinically sensible,” the Guardian quotes Dr. Doran Fink of Moderna.

Norovirus is a threat to old and sick people

Norovirus outbreaks are common in hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers or schools. Especially for very young or old people and for anyone who has a weakened immune system, an infection can have serious consequences. A successful vaccine would help ensure that operations in nursing homes could be maintained normally, says Prof. Saul Faust of the University of Southampton, according to the report.

General practitioner and study leader Dr. Patrick Moore emphasizes how high the burden of norovirus is. Worldwide, there are about 685 million cases and 200,000 deaths every year. In the UK, there are about four million cases a year.

It is hoped that a vaccine could bring health and economic benefits. “In the UK, norovirus costs the NHS an estimated £100 million a year [and] if you take into account the loss of earnings, it’s about £300 million,” says Moore.

If the result of the study is positive, it is expected that it will be possible to submit an application for approval for the vaccine in 2026. However, the review process would take another up to a year. In addition, further studies on teenagers and younger people would be needed.