NEWS: First Norovirus vaccine trial underway globally

NEWS: First Norovirus vaccine trial underway globally

As reported by Guardiandoctors are testing the world’s first norovirus vaccine with the aim of protecting vulnerable groups and reducing the widespread impact of the virus

Doctors have begun testing the world’s first vaccine against the vomiting bug norovirus in the hope that the sting could bring huge health and economic benefits. Norovirus causes illness and diarrhea and can spread very quickly among people in close contact, with outbreaks often occurring in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and nurseries. While most people recover within two to three days, the virus can be serious, especially for the very young, elderly or people with weakened immune systems.

Called Nova 301, the Phase 3 clinical trial will run over two years and will enroll 25,000 adults – focusing on those over 60 – from countries including Japan, Canada and Australia.

A total of 27 NHS primary and secondary care sites in England, Scotland and Wales will be involved in the trial, with around 2,500 participants to be recruited from the end of October. Within the trial, half of the participants will be randomly assigned to receive the new vaccine, and the other half will receive a saline injection as a placebo.

The norovirus vaccine is based on mRNA technology – an approach used by companies such as Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech in the development of their Covid jabs.

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