EMA Approves First Vaccine Against Chikungunya
EMA Recommends Authorization for Ixchiq, the First European Vaccine Against Chikungunya
The European Medicines Agency has recommended granting authorization to Ixchiq, the first vaccine reported in the European Union aimed at protecting adults aged 18 and older from the chikungunya virus.
Valneva has developed this single-dose vaccine; it’s a milestone in the fight against chikungunya, as the mosquito-borne disease is increasingly prevalent due to various travelers and the impacts of global climate patterns.
The chikungunya virus is a threat
Chikungunya is a virus transmitted to humans by certain mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The virus causes joint pain, fever, often accompanied by headache, muscle fatigue, and the generation of skin rashes. Most people recover within a week of infection, but some suffer acute disorders that can last several months or even years. In extremely rare cases, it can lead to multiorgan dysfunction and death.
Chikungunya has historically been present in nature in tropical and sub-tropical areas, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.
Valneva has collaborated with the Butantan Institute in Brazil for the development, production, and commercialization of Ixchiq, ensuring accessibility of the vaccine in low- and middle-income countries. In fact, Ixchiq has already been approved by the US FDA in November 2023 and is marketed in the United States.
Health Impact
The chikungunya virus represents an emerging threat to global health, with over 5 million reported cases in the last 15 years. Its incidence is expected to increase as climate change favors the proliferation of vector mosquitoes in new geographic areas. The approval of Ixchiq in Europe is therefore a crucial step in preventing the spread of the virus and reducing the impact of the disease among reported cases.
The vaccine contained in Ixchiq will be administered in a single intramuscular dose and includes a weakened version of the chikungunya virus. The safety of the vaccine has been assessed in two clinical trials conducted in North America, involving a total of approximately 3,500 participants. The most commonly reported side effects are headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, and nausea.
Future Perspectives
With EMA approval, Ixchiq is now the first vaccine against chikungunya available in Europe and represents a new hope in the fight against this debilitating disease. Valneva, which plans to commence commercialization in Europe by the end of the year, will protect exposed populations and limit viral spread. This underscores the importance of research and innovation in vaccines, especially as vector-borne diseases become a threat to global health.
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