The experimental vaccine against the Nipah virus developed by the University of Tokyo is scheduled to start human clinical trials in Belgium this April. This news represents an important step in the global fight against a highly lethal virus for which no treatment or approved vaccine currently exists.

The start of human clinical trials

The clinical trial of the vaccine against the Nipah virus will begin in April in Belgium, marking a historic step in research against this deadly pathogen.

Developed by researchers at the University of Tokyo, this vaccine against Nipah uses a recombinant platform that inserts part of the genetic material of the Nipah virus into a modified measles virus, a method similar to that used in other successful vaccines.

The main goal of this early trial, called Phase 1, is to evaluate the safety and the vaccine’s ability to trigger an immune response in the human body. Approximately 60 healthy adult volunteers will be recruited.

So far, this vaccine has already shown efficacy and safety in preclinical animal models such as hamsters, where it stimulated the production of proteins similar to those of the Nipah virus, strengthening the immune system.

Although no results have yet been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals on these human trials, the Nikkei Asia report, cited by multiple media outlets, confirms that this trial is planned and authorized to start in the spring.

This study focuses on safety and the extent to which the body responds to the vaccine candidate. Only in later phases can researchers evaluate whether this vaccine is truly effective at preventing infection by the Nipah virus in real exposure settings.

What is the Nipah virus and why is it concerning?

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic pathogen, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans — mainly through bats or the consumption of contaminated food — and in some cases, between close human contacts.

Symptoms of infection can range from a mild fever to severe respiratory distress or brain inflammation (encephalitis).

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists the Nipah virus as a priority disease for research and countermeasure development, precisely because there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment.

The infection’s mortality rate is high — observed between 40% and 75% in previous outbreaks — and can vary depending on how quickly the disease is detected, access to medical care, and epidemiological control.

Outbreaks have mostly occurred in South and Southeast Asia, with recurrent cases in countries such as Bangladesh and India, highlighting the urgent need for preventive tools like vaccines.

How the vaccine works and what comes next

The Nipah vaccine candidate developed in Japan uses a known viral vector: a modified measles virus that does not cause disease.

In simple terms, when this vaccine is administered, the body produces proteins similar to the Nipah virus without being infected by the dangerous virus itself. This “trains” the immune system to recognize and fight real Nipah if a person is exposed later.

The current phase (Phase 1) is designed to confirm that the vaccine is safe and does not cause serious adverse effects in volunteers. In this phase, researchers also measure whether the body produces specific antibodies in response to the vaccine.

If results are positive, researchers will plan subsequent phases with more participants and in areas where exposure to the Nipah virus is more likely, allowing assessment not only of safety but also real-world efficacy. This progression is typical in the development of any vaccine.

International collaboration, such as with European initiatives and health organizations, will be key to advancing these future stages, aiming to prevent outbreaks before they become public health crises.

The start of human trials for the vaccine against the Nipah virus represents a milestone in global research against a pathogen with no current treatments. Initial studies in Belgium will be essential to assess its safety and potential as a critical preventive tool.

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Reference:

Nikkei Asia / Nipah virus vaccine from University of Tokyo set for April clinical trial. Link

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