• The University of Oxford initiated a first-in-human clinical trial for the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine against the deadly Nipah virus.

•  It is being developed by the Pandemic Sciences Institute and is led by the Oxford Vaccine Group.

• It is being funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

• The trial involves 51 participants aged 18 to 55.

•  Nipah virus has a 75% fatality rate and has caused outbreaks in Southeast Asia, including a recent one in Kerala, India, in Sept-2023.

•  Transmitted by fruit bats and contact with infected animals or person-to-person, Nipah is a WHO-recognized priority disease with no approved vaccines or treatments.

•  Professor Brian Angus, the trial’s Principal Investigator, stated the urgent need for solutions to prevent local outbreaks and prepare for a future pandemic.

• CEPI's Dr. In-Kyu Yoon emphasizes the epidemic potential of Nipah and the importance of gaining knowledge to develop countermeasures against the virus.

• The 18-month project aims to provide insights for future Nipah-affected country trials.

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