Vaxart's Norovirus Vaccine Trials Show Promising Results Amid Record Cases

Norovirus infections are currently at record levels in the UK, with the NHS reporting an average of 1,160 hospitalized patients daily, double the number from the previous year. Amidst this surge, Vaxart, Inc. is trialing a promising oral vaccine pill, VXA-G1.1-NN, designed to protect against norovirus, particularly in older adults aged 55 to 80, who are at greater risk. Preliminary results from the trial indicate that the vaccine can significantly increase levels of IgA antibodies in both blood and saliva, suggesting potential for both systemic and mucosal immunity. The vaccine's efficacy appears consistent across different age groups, and while immune responses were strong initially, some immunity persisted for nearly seven months. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination as the best protection against norovirus, highlighting the lack of licensed vaccines for this virus globally. The ongoing trials suggest that a viable norovirus vaccine could be available within a few years, potentially alleviating the healthcare burden caused by this virus.