- Kenya has administered the first doses of the M72/AS01E TB vaccine candidate, marking the first potential new TB vaccine in nearly 100 years
- The Phase 3 trial, led by KEMRI, aims to include up to 20,000 participants and is a significant step in the global fight against tuberculosis
- The World Health Organization estimates that this vaccine could save 8.5 million lives and prevent 76 million new TB cases over 25 years
Kenya has taken a significant step in the fight against tuberculosis, with the first group of citizens receiving the M72/AS01E vaccine candidate on July 12, 2024. This marks a crucial phase in the development of what could be the first TB vaccine in nearly a century.
The vaccination trials are taking place in Kisumu, Kilifi, Machakos, and Nairobi, involving a series of two intramuscular injections administered a month apart.
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is spearheading the Phase 3 trial, which is the final stage before the vaccine can be considered for widespread use. Dr. Videlis Nduba, Senior Research Scientist at KEMRI and the national principal investigator, expressed optimism, highlighting the persistent challenge TB poses to public health.
“Launching Phase 3 trial for a TB vaccine candidate in Kenya is a major step, and we are delighted to be part of the global team that helps drive this programme,” Dr. Nduba said.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
Developed initially by GSK in partnership with Aeras and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, the M72/AS01E vaccine has shown promising results in earlier trials. It provided approximately 50% protection against active pulmonary tuberculosis over three years in TB-infected HIV-negative adults, a significant breakthrough in TB vaccine research.
See Also:
1: Health Hazard Warning Issued after Public Loots Sodium Cyanide from Overturned Truck
2: Kenyan TikToker Writes to William Ruto Asking to Replace Susan Nakhumicha, Become Health CS
The World Health Organization estimates that such a vaccine could save 8.5 million lives and prevent 76 million new TB cases over a 25-year period.
The current trial, sponsored by the Gates MRI and Wellcome Trust, will eventually include up to 20,000 participants across several countries, including South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
The trial’s scope underscores the global effort to address TB, which continues to affect millions worldwide. In Kenya alone, around 128,000 people are diagnosed with TB each year, according to the Ministry of Health.
NEMA Issues Health Hazard Warning After Lorry With Toxic Sodium Cyanide Overturns
Previously, we broke the news that NEMA, the National Environment Authority, has also issued a public warning regarding the dangers posed by toxic substances from an overturned truck along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. ‘
The truck was carrying sodium cyanide, a highly toxic chemical.
The public has been cautioned to avoid contact with the white pellet-form substance and report any sighting of the missing containers to the nearest authorities.
Sodium cyanide is extremely harmful, with even small amounts causing severe health issues or death.
