Moderna’s mRNA Tech takes on the stomach flu

The misery of the common stomach flu may be over. Pharmaceutical company Moderna has begun large-scale Phase III trials to test a vaccine against norovirus, a frequent and sometimes dangerous source of food poisoning.

Modern Nova 301 trial After the first dose given to a volunteer last September, it is set to go into full swing this year. About 25,000 volunteers over the age of 18 are expected to participate in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which will ultimately take two years. People from all over the world will be able to participate in the study, including most parts of the United States

It’s norovirus is the main cause of foodborne diseases About 20 million cases are reported in America each year. Most cases of norovirus are short-lived — if very uncomfortable — with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and a flu-like illness lasting up to three days. For many, it is a painful but manageable ordeal. However, a significant number of people seek medical care, resulting in more than two million physician visits and nearly half a million emergency room visits each year. In rare cases, the infection can become severe enough to result in hospitalization or even death. About 100,000 Americans are hospitalized from norovirus, and 900 die from it each year. This is equal the bigger issue in parts of the world where sanitation and health programs are weak.

“Norovirus is a significant public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide every year, causing serious symptoms and, in some cases, hospitalization,” said Stefan Bansel, CEO of Moderna. statement last fall. “By advancing our investigational norovirus vaccine to a pivotal Phase 3 trial, we are one step closer to potentially providing a new tool to prevent infection from this highly contagious virus that places a significant burden on healthcare systems globally.”

Although norovirus has long been a thorn in humanity’s side, the urgency for a vaccine is now high. After a brief lull during the early pandemic, norovirus has surged in the United States of late. In the second half of 2024, nearly 500 norovirus outbreaks were reported, a significant increase compared to the previous year. And this winter is norovirus season is on the way being the worst in over a decade.

There are scientists was struggling to develop successful norovirus vaccine. Historically, we have not been able to grow the virus in the lab or in small animals, which prevents us from studying it. The virus is also naturally resistant to our defenses. There are several types of norovirus that cause illness, and a recent infection with one type may not protect you from others. Our natural immunity to a particular species also tends to wane over time, perhaps lasts for several months for some.

But recently, scientists have been able to create effective laboratory models for studying norovirus and have developed some promising strategies for a vaccine. Moderna’s vaccine candidate, for example, tries to induce immunity by training the body to target virus-like particles (VLPs), which closely resemble norovirus but are not actually viruses at all. The candidate uses the same basic mRNA technology used in Moderna’s covid-19 vaccines to do this. mRNA vaccines prompt the body’s cells to produce a target protein that is recognized by the immune system as a potential threat (in this case, norovirus VLPs).

The company’s candidate, codenamed mRNA-1403, is designed to induce immunity against at least three common types of norovirus, which would provide broad protection. While norovirus can be a terrifying experience for anyone, it can cause serious illness in vulnerable populations such as immunocompromised people and the elderly. Thus, the majority of trial volunteers (20,000) will be over 60 years of age. Other companies are testing themselves. norovirus vaccine for children also, but.

There are over 250 research sites worldwide for Nova 301 testing, with over 100 located in the US alone. Participants are required to be in good general health (which may include well-controlled chronic health conditions) and have no recent history of gastrointestinal disease, among other criteria. The main part of the trial is planned to last two years, with results expected by May 2027. Potential participants can participate in a survey created by Moderna. here.