Researchers are developing a new kind of Zika virus vaccine
Zika virus has existed since 1947, but it made international headlines during the 2015-2016 outbreak. Despite its notoriety and long history, researchers have not been able to develop an effective vaccine against the disease.
Fortunately, now there’s hope. Enesi Pharma, in a partnership with the University of Adelaide, has received a $1.35 million grant to develop what seems to be a promising vaccine.
This is especially good news at a time when funding for non-COVID-related medical research
has been at an all-time low.
Not only would the vaccine be the first of its kind in terms of protecting against Zika virus; it would also be the world’s first vaccine that doesn’t use a needle.
Instead, a small implant is injected beneath a patient’s skin. The implant will dissolve over time, and spread through the body.
Thanks to funding, the vaccine can now begin phase 1 clinical trials.
Read on to learn more about the needleless vaccine that will hopefully end Zika virus.
Contact Our Writer – Alysa Salzberg