2 experimental Zika vaccines show promise in monkey studies

ZIKA RESEARCH. Sarah Kohn of the Wisconsin National Primate research Center (WNPRC) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, performs an ultrasound on a pregnant rhesus macaque monkey infected with the Zika virus on June 28, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. File photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images/AFP

WASHINGTON DC, USA – A pair of experimental vaccines being developed by the US National Institutes of Health protected monkeys against Zika virus infection after two doses, researchers said Thursday, September 22.

One of the vaccines, known as VRC5288, has already begun early trials in humans to test safety and efficacy, according to a study published in Science.

A phase 2 trial in Zika-endemic countries could begin next year, officials said.

The second vaccine (VRC5283) is awaiting a Phase 1 clinical trial start date.

The research involved vaccinating rhesus macaques using "the two different experimental Zika DNA vaccines in different doses," said the NIH in a statement.

Two doses were "highly effective" at protecting macaques exposed to an infectious dose of Zika virus.

Experts say it will be years before a vaccine is developed to prevent infection from Zika, which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women because it can cause brain defects in the fetus. – Rappler.com