Oxford University has started human testing of Nipah Virus vaccine, which is causing concern in some states of India including Kerala and many parts of Asia. There is currently no vaccine available for this virus. In its trial, technology similar to the Covid-19 shots of AstraZeneca and Serum Institute of India is being used. Nipah virus was first identified about 25 years ago in 1998. After this, its impact was seen in Bangladesh, India and Singapore.
How is human testing of Nipah virus being done?
A spokesperson for Oxford University’s Institute of Epidemiology told news agency Reuters that the first phase of testing in Oxford with 52 participants will assess safety and immunity response in people aged 18 to 55 years. The first participants in the Oxford testing received a dose of the vaccine last week.
In 2022, Nipah virus vaccine was tested with the help of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Now the countries affected by this virus are hopeful of the arrival of the vaccine soon.