First Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Lassa Fever Vaccine Begins in Nigeria

Participants in Abuja, Nigeria, have begun receiving vaccinations in the groundbreaking Phase 2 clinical trial for a Lassa fever vaccine, sponsored by IAVI, a nonprofit scientific research organization. This trial marks the first Phase 2 study of any Lassa fever vaccine candidate, aiming to assess the vaccine's safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity. Lassa fever, a fatal hemorrhagic illness prevalent in West Africa, currently lacks an approved vaccine.

The trial, funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), plans to enroll over 600 participants across Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria. This international collaborative effort also seeks to build sustainable research capacity within these regions, incorporating the expertise of local clinicians, scientists, and community members. The target is not only to advance the vaccine towards potential licensure but also to ensure it remains affordable and accessible for populations in need.

Lassa fever annually affects approximately 300,000 people in West Africa, leading to around 5,000 deaths. The disease poses a significant risk, especially to children under ten, pregnant individuals, and healthcare workers. IAVI's Phase 2 trial aims to enroll various demographic groups, including adults living with HIV, adolescents, and children over two years old, intending to monitor their immune responses and the vaccine's safety over an extended period.

IAVI's vaccine candidate uses a similar recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) vector platform as the ERVEBO® vaccine for Ebola, indicating a promising approach to combating Lassa fever. Results of this pivotal trial are eagerly anticipated in 2025, with the goal of providing a much-needed vaccine against this deadly disease.