New EU project on a chikungunya vaccine

Chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito, is becoming more prevalent in Europe as a result of climate change. Whilst Austria has so far only recorded imported cases, local outbreaks have occurred in several European countries since 2007. Against this backdrop, an EU project coordinated by the Medical University of Innsbruck was launched last month to evaluate the safety and efficacy in Africa of a chikungunya vaccine already authorised in Europe; the results are also significant for Europe.

The “European-African Vaccine Initiative” (EAVI) project, funded with around €14 million under Horizon Europe/EDCTP, will run for five years under the leadership of virologist Gisa Gerold. In a Phase IIIb trial, the IXCHIQ vaccine is being tested for the first time in countries where the virus is endemic. The aim is to lay the groundwork for rapid approval and swift vaccination campaigns in affected regions.

The international consortium includes partner institutions in Kenya (KEMRI), Tanzania (Ifakara Health Institute), Switzerland (EPFL), Sweden (Karolinska Institutet), Spain (Carlos III University) and the vaccine manufacturer Valneva Austria.

In addition to clinical trials, the project focuses on technology transfer to establish affordable local production capacities in the long term. Mosquito and cohort studies in Kenya and Tanzania are also intended to improve surveillance and diagnostics. Early-career researchers will have opportunities for exchange between the participating laboratories. The consortium’s kick-off meeting will take place in Innsbruck at the end of June.

Further information can be found in the original article: Innsbruck virologist Gisa Gerold leads multi-million-euro EU project on chikungunya vaccine and on the EU project page (EAVI – Global Health EDCTP3 – European Union)