Washington: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the world’s first vaccine for chikungunya, a virus spread by infected mosquitoes.
According to the FDA, the vaccine, developed by Europe’s Valneva which will be marketed under the name Ixchiq, has been licensed for people 18 and over who are at increased risk of exposure.
The US FDA’s approval of Ixchiq is expected to speed up the vaccine’s implementation in countries where the virus is most prevalent.
Chikungunya, which causes fever and severe joint pain, is most commonly encountered in Africa, Southeast Asia, and part of the Americas.
“However, chikungunya virus has spread to new geographical areas causing a rise in global prevalence of the disease,” the FDA said, reporting more than five million cases in the past 15 years.
In a statement, Mr. Peter Marks Senior Official of the FDA, remarked that, “Infection with chikungunya virus can lead to severe disease and prolonged health problems, particularly for older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions.”
“Today’s approval addresses an unmet medical need and is an important advancement in the prevention of a potentially debilitating disease with limited treatment options,” Mr. Marks added.
The vaccine is administered in a single dose and contains a live, weakened version of the chikungunya virus. In North America, two clinical studies involving 3,500 participants were conducted. Headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, and nausea were commonly reported side effects.
In the trials, 1.6 percent of Ixchiq recipients experienced serious responses, with two requiring hospitalization.
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