Janssen's Zika Vaccine Candidate Found Promising

The Annuals of Internal Medicine published original research on February 16, 2021, focused on a prophylactic Zika virus vaccine candidate. This study was a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 1 Study of Ad26.ZIKV.001, an Ad26-Vectored Anti–Zika Virus Vaccine.

This phase 1 study with 100 participants found 'protection against ZIKV challenge was observed after antibody transfer from participants into mice, and MN50 titers correlated with protection in this model.'

These researchers concluded: The safety and immunogenicity profile makes Ad26.ZIKV.001 a promising Zika vaccine candidate for further development if the need reemerges.'

The study was conducted in a nonendemic area, so it did not assess safety and immunogenicity in a flavivirus-exposed population. The primary Funding Source was Janssen Vaccines and Infectious Diseases.