What's Happening?
Institut Pasteur has initiated a four-year research project named ACT-CHIK, aimed at advancing the development of a chikungunya vaccine in Africa. Funded by the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon Europe program,
the project has received €15.3 million to support large-scale Phase Ib/III clinical trials in Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. The vaccine, MV-CHIK, is a measles-virus-based candidate originally developed at Institut Pasteur. The initiative seeks to address the growing burden of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease, by generating critical clinical data and preparing for regional vaccine manufacturing. The project also aims to transfer vaccine manufacturing technology to the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Africa’s only WHO-prequalified vaccine manufacturer.
Why It's Important?
The ACT-CHIK project is significant as it addresses the neglected status of chikungunya in Africa, where the disease remains underdiagnosed and under-reported. By focusing on local vaccine production, the initiative supports Africa's goal to produce 60% of its vaccine needs locally by 2040. This project not only aims to improve access to vaccines in endemic regions but also strengthens outbreak preparedness. The collaboration with African and international partners highlights a strategic move towards self-sufficiency in vaccine production, which is crucial for public health resilience in the face of climate change and expanding mosquito habitats.
What's Next?
The ACT-CHIK project will conduct comprehensive due diligence and prepare for the technology transfer of the MV-CHIK vaccine manufacturing process. The project will also engage with national regulatory authorities and the World Health Organization to develop a regulatory pathway for the vaccine's licensure in Africa. These steps are crucial for ensuring the vaccine's availability and accessibility in regions most affected by chikungunya. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for future vaccine development and manufacturing efforts across the continent.
