Walter Reed Army Institute of Research doctors have begun a series of Zika vaccine tests on monkeys and aim to carry over their efforts to human trials within the year, the U.S. Army reported Wednesday.Gary Sheftick writes WRAIR researchers have completed a study that showed the effects of the ZPIV vaccine and a Harvard Medical School-developed DNA vaccine that helped mice subjects gain immunity over the Zika virus.
“Our institution’s number one mission is to preserve and ensure operational readiness,” said Col. Stephen Thomas, WRAIR lead for the Zika vaccine.
Army said Walter Reed’s Pilot Bioproduction Facility has manufactured small doses of the ZPIV for use in clinical research to be conducted at various facilities and the National Institutes of Health will conduct vaccine trial evaluation units.
DoD News reported Thursday a Sanofi Pasteur vaccines division will also collaborate with WRAIR to develop a Zika vaccine and build on previous work from the Army research organization at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Cheryl Pellerin writes public health experts and congressional leaders look to address a need for funding for to address the spread of the Zika virus that has affected more than 2,500 local cases.
