Full-Scale Development of Domestic Nipah Virus Vaccine Begins... Proactive Response to Emerging Infectious Diseases

Agency Pursues Parallel Development of Recombinant Protein and mRNA Platforms

The National Institute of Health under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on March 5 that it will actively promote the development of a domestic Nipah virus vaccine in cooperation with local companies, in order to proactively respond to Nipah virus infection, a high-risk zoonotic disease.

Progress Status of Domestic Nipah Virus Vaccine Development

Nipah virus infection is a high-risk disease that uses bats as its natural host and can be transmitted from person to person. The fatality rate is reported to range from 40% to 75%. Currently, there are no commercialized vaccines or treatments available. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) have classified it as a disease that requires priority response.

Accordingly, the Agency has been pursuing various approaches to develop vaccines based on domestic technology for nine infectious diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, SFTS, chikungunya, RSV, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (Hantaan), Nipah, Lassa, and dengue. These were selected as priority targets for vaccine development in its 'Mid-to-Long-Term Plan for Preparing for Emerging Infectious Disease Pandemics' established in 2023.

In particular, by utilizing secured vaccine candidates and the technological capabilities of domestic companies, the Agency is systematically advancing the development of a Nipah virus vaccine using adjuvant platforms, messenger RNA (mRNA), and artificial intelligence technologies.

This year, the Agency is actively conducting efficacy assessments in animal models and establishing GMP production processes for the Nipah virus vaccine candidate. The goal is to secure a domestic Nipah virus vaccine following subsequent safety evaluations (2027–2028) and Phase 1 clinical trials (2029–2030).

Im Seungkwan, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated, "Although Nipah virus is currently occurring only in specific regions, there is a potential risk of it spreading into a future pandemic. We plan to continue enhancing the proactive response system for emerging infectious diseases by expanding cooperation with domestic companies and other partners."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.