U.S. Approves First Chikungunya Vaccine
Written by Arushi Sharma
In a historic move, the U.S. health authorities have approved Ixchiq, the world's first Chikungunya vaccine, addressing a significant global health threat.
U.S. health authorities, on November 9, marked a significant milestone by approving the world's first vaccine for chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus deemed an "emerging global health threat" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Developed by Europe's Valneva, the vaccine, named Ixchiq, has been granted approval for individuals aged 18 and over at increased risk of chikungunya exposure. This approval is expected to expedite the vaccine's deployment in regions most affected by the virus.
Chikungunya, causing fever and severe joint pain, is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions. The FDA highlighted a rise in global prevalence, with over five million cases reported in the past 15 years. The virus can lead to severe health issues, especially for older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.
Peter Marks, a senior FDA official, emphasized the importance of the approval, addressing an unmet medical need and offering a crucial advancement in preventing a potentially debilitating disease with limited treatment options.
The single-dose vaccine contains a live, weakened version of the chikungunya virus. Clinical trials involving 3,500 people reported common side effects such as headache, fatigue, and joint pain, with serious reactions in 1.6% of recipients, leading to two hospitalizations. Some recipients experienced chikungunya-like reactions lasting 30 days or more.
Chikungunya, which can be transmitted from a pregnant person to their unborn child, poses a risk to newborns. The FDA stated uncertainties regarding transmission from mother to baby and potential adverse effects in newborns.
Chikungunya, identified in Tanzania in 1952, has since spread to more than 110 countries. Experts express concerns about its potential as a future pandemic threat, especially with climate change expanding the regions where its mosquito vectors are found.
Valneva has submitted an application for authorization to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), indicating potential global access to the vaccine in the near future.