Zika Vaccines Trial In Humans: U.S. Researchers Start To Test Vaccines In Two Volunteers[VIDEO]
ByZika vaccine trial has been started. There are two volunteers who are willing to be the subjects for the Zika vaccine testing.
Director Anthony Fauci announced on Wednesday, August 3, that The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has injected the DNA-based Zika vaccine to two volunteers, according to CNN.
"If it's a home run, we'll know pretty quickly," Fauci said.
The creator of the vaccine, Inovio Pharmaceuticals confirmed on Monday, August 1, that Zika vaccine testing in humans will begin soon. As a matter of fact, the human trials has been started in Miami, but Fauci clarified that those DNA inserts are different from the ones they are using.
According to Fauci, the vaccines that they are using have a small piece of DNA with genes that code for Zika-virus proteins. It requires coil spring injector so it will be injected into the deltoid muscle of the arm.
About 80 volunteers ages 18 to 35 will be given vaccine by the end of August at three study sites in Bethesda, Maryland, Baltimore and Atlanta. The volunteers will be divided into three groups. Each group will receive the same dose, however, they differ in interval in 20-week period.
At first injection, they are required to return for follow-up visits over a 44-week period so the scientists can monitor their condition.
On the official website of NIH, they ensure that the DNA vaccines have no infectious material.
Meanwhile, there are 41 members of the U.S. military who are reported infected by Zika virus. In a recent report, they have been diagnosed.
Pentagon confirmed to CNN that there are eight cases have been recorded last week. One of the members is a pregnant female. According to Pentagon health policies, female service members are allowed to leave the country where Zika outbreak occurs.
