US health authorities made a significant announcement on Thursday as they granted approval for the world’s first chikungunya vaccine, addressing what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeled as “an emerging global health threat.” The vaccine, developed by Europe’s Valneva and marketed under the name Ixchiq, has been authorized for individuals aged 18 and above who are at higher risk of exposure, according to the FDA.
This approval is anticipated to facilitate the vaccine’s deployment in regions where the chikungunya virus is most prevalent. Chikungunya, known for causing fever and severe joint pain, predominantly affects tropical and subtropical regions in Africa, southeast Asia, and parts of the Americas. However, the FDA highlighted the virus’s expansion into new geographical areas, resulting in a surge in global disease prevalence, with over 5 million cases reported in the past 15 years.
Peter Marks, a senior FDA official, stressed the severity of chikungunya infections, particularly for older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, saying, “Infection with chikungunya virus can lead to severe disease and prolonged health problems.” He added, “Today’s approval addresses an unmet medical need and is an important advancement in the prevention of a potentially debilitating disease with limited treatment options.”
Ixchiq is administered in a single dose and contains a live, weakened form of the chikungunya virus, following the standard approach of many vaccines. To assess its safety and efficacy, two clinical trials involving 3,500 individuals were conducted in North America. Commonly reported side effects included headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, and nausea. While serious reactions were reported in 1.6 percent of Ixchiq recipients during the trials, only two individuals required hospitalization. This development marks a significant step forward in combating chikungunya, a virus with the potential to cause substantial health problems.
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