EVI-supported investigational Nipah virus vaccine, MV-NiV, administered to humans for the first time
- EVI
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
The first human administration of an investigational Nipah virus vaccine has been successfully completed, a historic step forward in the fight against one of the world's most lethal emerging pathogens.
15 June 2026
MV-NiV is a live attenuated measles vector vaccine expressing a Nipah antigen, developed by Drs. Yoneda and Kai at The University of Tokyo in 2013. First supported by CEPI and co-led by the European Vaccine Initiative (EVI) (2019-2023), vaccine development is now funded by Japan's Strategic Center of Biomedical Advanced Vaccine Research and Development for Preparedness and Response (SCARDA) since 2023. The first-in-human trial is sponsored by Teikyo University and was recently approved by Belgian authorities, following completion of GMP manufacture and poof-of-concept and GLP toxicology studies.
EVI served as sponsor representative for this landmark trial, bringing together the international expertise and collaborative framework needed to make this milestone possible. Key partners include CEVAC Immunomonitoring Lab at Ghent University and Harmony Clinical Research, whose dedication and scientific excellence were instrumental in reaching this milestone.
The importance of this work is underscored by recent events: earlier this year, new Nipah virus cases were reported in India and a fatal case in Bangladesh. Nipah virus carries significant epidemic potential and has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a priority pathogen, highlighting the critical need for a safe and effective vaccine.
This trial reflects the heart of EVI's mission: combining scientific expertise with global partnerships to accelerate the development of vaccines against the world's most pressing infectious disease threats.
EVI extends its deepest gratitude to all partners, collaborators, and the trial participants whose commitment made this historic first possible.
