UZ Gent tests vaccine against CMV: “The virus is common and can cause abnormalities in unborn children”

That is why scientists have been looking for a way for 50 years to protect women against CMV before they become pregnant. So far without success, but the American pharmaceutical company Moderna is now testing a new vaccine against the virus in 7,000 women worldwide. UZ Gent is also participating in the study.

“In our center, about 100 women between the ages of 16 and 40 will participate in the study. Half will receive the vaccine, half a placebo. The subjects will be followed up for 2.5 years.”

“The ultimate goal is to protect young women against the virus, so that they cannot contract an infection in a later pregnancy and therefore cannot pass the virus on to their unborn child.”