Norovirus is back on the minds of many as health authorities raise concerns about its spread, particularly with the winter months setting in. It’s the sneaky little virus known for causing nasty bouts of sickness and diarrhea, usually appearing during colder times or in crowded settings, such as schools or nursing homes. But recently, there’s been optimism amid the concern, as Moderna is ramping up efforts to create the first-ever vaccine aimed at combating this notorious virus.
Modern technology has put the spotlight on mRNA vaccines, a platform made famous during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moderna, the company behind the successful COVID-19 vaccine, has now turned its eyes toward developing a vaccine for norovirus, with its new facility opening soon at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus located in Oxfordshire.
The company's new plant, which boasts investments of around £150 million, is set to create between 150 and 200 local jobs. Dr. Melanie Ivarsson, Moderna's chief development officer, said: “We are excited to bring this trial to the UK – by advancing our investigational mRNA norovirus vaccine, we are one step closer to potentially providing a new tool to prevent infection from this highly contagious virus.”
The vaccine is currently moving to its final stages of clinical trials. If successful, it could make a significant impact, particularly considering norovirus is responsible for about 12,000 hospital admissions each year across the UK. With hopes high, the trial is expected to enroll around 2,500 participants, with findings anticipated to show at least 65% efficacy.
Wes Streeting, the Health and Social Care Secretary, highlighted the importance of this effort: “Norovirus is highly infectious and puts the NHS under huge strain every winter, costing taxpayers around £100 million annually.” This vaccine initiative has garnered attention as it aims to shift focus from treating illness to preventing it, which would be beneficial as we head toward the winter.
Meanwhile, rising health concerns about other viral outbreaks are seeping through the public consciousness. Recently, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported new cases of the mpox virus, which has been labeled as significantly infectious within close-contact settings, such as households. This additional strain of mpox, Clade Ib, has shown the potential to cause more severe illness than its predecessor and has raised alarm as it spreads within communities.
The UKHSA confirmed two new mpox cases connected to the first reported patient, bringing the total to three. Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, reassured the public by stating, “The overall risk to the UK population remains low.” This is thanks to the UK’s extensive monitoring and preventative measures, including contact tracing.
Added to this, the UK already has stockpiled mpox vaccines and is actively procuring more. Efforts are being made to vaccinate higher-risk groups, particularly men who have sex with men, who have faced higher rates of mpox infection.
Such steps reflect the increasing urgency public health officials feel as they work to combat these pressing health threats. With winter around the corner, the combined goals of vaccinating against norovirus and monitoring mpox infection rates become even more imperative.
For now, the battle against norovirus seems to be winning back public health attention. Challenges remain, not only from norovirus itself but also from rising concerns about various other infectious diseases, including covid variants and other viral outbreaks. But with efforts like those from Moderna, we might find ourselves one step closer to conquering the dreaded winter virus.
