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Washington: In yet another development, Valneva declared that US health officials on Thursday approved the world’s first vaccine named Ixchiq for chikungunya, a virus spread by infected mosquitoes. The recent approval of the maiden vaccine for chikungunya virus by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marks a significant milestone in the battle against this emerging global health threat.
The vaccine, known as Ixchiq, has been developed by Valneva, a European biotech company, is approved for individuals 18 years of age and older who are at increased risk of exposure to chikungunya virus. The chikungunya virus is primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya is an emerging global health threat with at least 5 million cases of chikungunya virus infection reported during the past 15 years.
The highest risk of infection is in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Americas where chikungunya virus-carrying mosquitos are endemic. However, chikungunya virus has spread to new geographical areas causing a rise in global prevalence of the disease.
The most common symptoms of chikungunya include fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include a rash, headache, and muscle pain. Some individuals may experience debilitating joint pain that persists for months or even years. Treatment includes rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications for pain and fever.
Today, we approved the first chikungunya vaccine for individuals 18 years of age and older who are at increased risk of exposure to chikungunya virus. https://t.co/P0vN2yjZzW pic.twitter.com/rLqphefxpV
— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) November 9, 2023
Although serious reactions were reported in 1.6% of vaccine recipients, including two individuals who required hospitalization, these events were relatively low. Specifically, vaccine effectiveness was demonstrated in participants aged 65 years and older, providing higher seroprotection and neutralizing antibody titers compared to younger individuals.
Despite Ixchiq’s promising prospects, the FDA has mandated postmarket studies to evaluate potential risks associated with the vaccine. This cautious approach underlines the importance of continued monitoring and evaluation to ensure vaccine safety and efficacy. Furthermore, the FDA’s recognition of the unmet medical need for a chikungunya vaccine emphasizes the significance of this development in addressing a debilitating disease with limited treatment options.
The approval of Ixchiq represents an important step toward combating the global spread of chikungunya and reducing its impact on public health. As efforts continue to combat emerging infectious diseases, the availability of a vaccine for chikungunya promises to reduce the burden of this virus on affected populations. It also underlines the importance of ongoing research and innovation in developing preventive measures against emerging health threats.
