EnsiliTech develops mRNA hantavirus vaccine after outbreak renews focus
Updated
Updated · NBC News · May 8
EnsiliTech develops mRNA hantavirus vaccine after outbreak renews focus
6 articles · Updated · NBC News · May 8
The UK biotech says its room-temperature candidate has cleared rodent tests, but human trials are still three to four years away after the MV Hondius outbreak.
The shot targets the Hantaan strain using a silica “ensilication” coating to protect mRNA, and the company may also pursue an Andes-strain vaccine linked to the cruise ship cases.
Experts said sporadic outbreaks and weak commercial incentives have slowed funding; China and South Korea have vaccines with mixed results, while no preclinical candidate has yet reached human testing.
With room-temperature mRNA vaccines in development, what is the real barrier to protecting against rare viruses?
Why does a deadly hantavirus lack the 'Warp Speed' funding that accelerated COVID vaccines?
Is this cruise ship outbreak a warning for a future pandemic we are still not ready for?