EnsiliTech Develops 1-Dose Hantavirus Antigen, Eyes Clinical Trials in 3 to 4 Years
Updated
Updated · CBC Sports · May 16
EnsiliTech Develops 1-Dose Hantavirus Antigen, Eyes Clinical Trials in 3 to 4 Years
1 articles · Updated · CBC Sports · May 16
EnsiliTech says its Hantaan-strain vaccine antigen produced good immunity with no side effects in rodents after one dose, marking an early step toward human testing.
The biotech plans booster-regimen rodent studies next and then clinical trials, with co-founder Asel Sartbaeva saying a rollout in 3 to 4 years would be a success.
The push comes as a cruise-ship outbreak renewed attention on hantavirus, which has no cure; treatment is limited to supportive care such as fluids, oxygen and ventilation.
Hantavirus infections are rare but severe: pulmonary syndrome in the Americas kills about 40% of patients, and Canada has recorded 168 cases since 1994.
Other efforts remain early-stage, including Moderna's work and University of Saskatchewan vaccine programs targeting Andes and Sin Nombre strains, with animal tests due this summer.
Why did a cruise ship outbreak ignite the race for a cure that has been neglected for decades?
A rare virus now spreads between people. Is this the start of the next unexpected global health crisis?