FDA Approves First Chikungunya Vaccine, Intoxicated, for Adults at Increased Risk

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first vaccine to prevent the disease caused by the chikungunya virus. The biological is authorized for adult patients at increased risk of exposure to infection.

The approved medication is named Intoxicated. It was developed by the Valneva Austria GmbH laboratory. It is composed of a live and weakened version of the virus with the ability to develop immunity in the body.

The health agency assured that “today’s approval addresses an unmet medical need and is an important advance in the prevention of a potentially debilitating disease with limited treatment options.”

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The drug has proven its efficiency. However, the FDA warns that There are still side effects that must be resolved by the manufacturer.. The regulatory authority asked the laboratory to carry out post-marketing studies of the vaccine to ensure that it does not present serious risks.

In an analysis prior to authorization, the pharmaceutical company discovered that the virus used as an active ingredient in the vaccine persisted in the blood flow of patients during the first weeks of inoculation. The biologic’s prescribing information alerts providers that, at this time, it is unknown whether the modified variant of the virus used can be transmitted from a pregnant person to the fetus. It is also unclear whether the vaccine virus may have implications for the newborn.

Medical evidence presented to the FDA details that side effects of the immunization include headache, muscle and joint pain, fever, tenderness at the injection site and tiredness. About 2% of the 3,500 people who participated in the trials had serious adverse reactions that required medical intervention.

Scientists assure that Ixchiq is the best option to protect the people most vulnerable to chikungunya. Until now, there is no specific treatment to counteract the effects of the virus.

Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, explained that “chikungunya virus infection can cause serious illness and long-term health problems, especially in older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions.”

Chikungunya cases increase around the world

Chikungunya is transmitted through the bite of a female mosquito. Temples of the Egyptians. Health experts consider it an emerging threat to global health in the absence of a specific treatment. On the other hand, its rapid expansion caused by climate change is of concern. The World Health Organization estimates that at least 5 million infections have been recorded in the last 15 years. The agency states that deaths and serious cases are rare.

In Latin America, the number of infections has increased noticeably. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported that more than 214,000 cases have been recorded in the region so far in 2023. Thais dos Santos, advisor on Surveillance and Control of Arboviral Diseases at PAHO, explained that the figure represents a increase of 128% compared to the same period last year, and 264% compared to the previous four years.

2023-11-10 21:23:52
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