According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the norovirus, which is widespread worldwide, is the cause of a large proportion of gastrointestinal infections. Those who catch the virus suffer from nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. It is very contagious and can spread quickly from person to person.
There is not much that can be done preventively beyond general hygiene rules. There is currently no vaccine against the norovirus. However, doctors have now begun to test the world’s first mRNA vaccine against the norovirus.
Norovirus vaccine based on mRNA technology is being tested
The vaccine is to undergo a phase three clinical trial called Nova 301. In two years, 25,000 people, mainly over 60 years old, from countries such as Japan, Canada and Australia are to be involved, reports the Guardian. Mobile teams are also to be used to make it easier for people to participate in the trial.
Half of the participants are to receive the new mRNA vaccine and the other half a saline solution as a placebo. The assignment follows at random.
Various institutions of the British National Health Service (NHS) and the pharmaceutical company Moderna, which manufactures the vaccine, are involved in the study. The norovirus vaccine is based on an mRNA technology with which the company Moderna, but also Pizer/Biontech, have already produced a vaccine against the corona virus.
In an earlier trial with the new norovirus vaccine, strong immune reactions are said to have already been detected in humans. The study is now about investigating whether the vaccine is effective against the virus itself and, if so, how long the protection lasts. “At least 65 percent (efficacy) or more is what we would consider clinically sensible,” the Guardian quotes Dr. Doran Fink of Moderna.
Norovirus is a threat to old and sick people
Norovirus outbreaks are common in hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers or schools. Especially for very young or old people and for anyone who has a weakened immune system, an infection can have serious consequences. A successful vaccine would help ensure that operations in nursing homes could be maintained normally, says Prof. Saul Faust of the University of Southampton, according to the report.
General practitioner and study leader Dr. Patrick Moore emphasizes how high the burden of norovirus is. Worldwide, there are about 685 million cases and 200,000 deaths every year. In the UK, there are about four million cases a year.
It is hoped that a vaccine could bring health and economic benefits. “In the UK, norovirus costs the NHS an estimated £100 million a year [and] if you take into account the loss of earnings, it’s about £300 million,” says Moore.
If the result of the study is positive, it is expected that it will be possible to submit an application for approval for the vaccine in 2026. However, the review process would take another up to a year. In addition, further studies on teenagers and younger people would be needed.
News
New mpox variant can spread rapidly across borders
International researchers, including from DTU National Food Institute, warn that the ongoing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has the potential to spread across borders more rapidly. The mpox virus [...]
How far would you trust AI to make important decisions?
From tailored Netflix recommendations to personalized Facebook feeds, artificial intelligence (AI) adeptly serves content that matches our preferences and past behaviors. But while a restaurant tip or two is handy, how comfortable would you [...]
Can AI Really Think? Research Reveals Gaps in Logical Execution
While AI models can break down problems into structured steps, new research reveals they still fail at basic arithmetic and fact-checking—raising questions about their true reasoning abilities. Large Language Models (LLMs) have become indispensable [...]
Scientists Just Made Cancer Radiation Therapy Smarter, Safer, and More Precise
Scientists at UC San Francisco have developed a revolutionary cancer treatment that precisely targets tumors with radiation while sparing healthy tissues. By using a KRAS-targeting drug to mark cancer cells and attaching a radioactive [...]
Superbugs Are Losing to Science, Light, and a Little Spice
Texas A&M researchers have found that curcumin, when activated by light, can weaken antibiotic-resistant bacteria, restoring the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. Curcumin: A Surprising Ally Against Superbugs In 2017, a woman admitted to a [...]
New Research Shatters the Perfect Pitch Myth
For decades, people believed absolute pitch was an exclusive ability granted only to those with the right genetics or early music training. But new research from the University of Surrey proves otherwise. It’s been [...]
Why Some Drinkers Suffer Devastating Liver Damage While Others Don’t
A study from Keck Medicine of USC found that heavy drinkers with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a large waistline are up to 2.4 times more likely to develop advanced liver disease. These conditions may amplify [...]
“Good” Cholesterol Could Be Bad for Your Eyes – New Study Raises Concerns
‘Good’ cholesterol may be linked to an increased risk of glaucoma in individuals over 55, while, paradoxically, ‘bad’ cholesterol may be associated with a lower risk. These findings challenge conventional beliefs about factors that [...]
Reawakening Dormant Nerve Cells: Groundbreaking Neurotechnology Restores Motor Function
A new electrical stimulation therapy for spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) has shown promise in reactivating motor neurons and improving movement. In a pilot clinical trial, three patients who received spinal cord stimulation for one [...]
AI’s Energy Crisis Solved? A Revolutionary Magnetic Chip Could Change Everything
AI is evolving at an incredible pace, but its growing energy demands pose a major challenge. Enter spintronic devices—new technology that mimics the brain’s efficiency by integrating memory and processing. Scientists in Japan have [...]
Nanotechnology for oil spill response and cleanup in coastal regions
(Nanowerk News) Cleaning up after a major oil spill is a long, expensive process, and the damage to a coastal region’s ecosystem can be significant. This is especially true for the world’s Arctic region, [...]
The Role of Nanotechnology in Space Exploration
Nanotechnology, which involves working with materials at the atomic or molecular level, is becoming increasingly important in space exploration. By improving strength, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and radiation resistance, nanotechnology is helping create lighter, more [...]
New Study Challenges Beliefs About CBD in Pregnancy, Reveals Unexpected Risks
CBD is gaining popularity as a remedy for pregnancy symptoms like nausea and anxiety, but new research suggests it may not be as safe as many believe. A study from McMaster University found that [...]
Does COVID increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
Scientists discover that even mild COVID-19 can alter brain proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease, potentially increasing dementia risk—raising urgent public health concerns. A recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine investigated whether both mild and [...]
New MRI Study Reveals How Cannabis Alters Brain Activity and Weakens Memory
A massive new study sheds light on how cannabis affects the brain, particularly during cognitive tasks. Researchers analyzed over 1,000 young adults and found that both heavy lifetime use and recent cannabis consumption significantly reduced brain [...]
How to Assess Nanotoxicity: Key Methods and Protocols
With their high surface area and enhanced physicochemical properties, nanomaterials play a critical role in drug delivery, consumer products, and environmental technologies. However, their nanoscale dimensions enable interactions with cellular components in complex and [...]
