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An experimental mRNA vaccine developed by US-based pharmaceutical company Moderna has demonstrated potential in combating human cytomegalovirus (CMV), a prevalent virus known for its impact on newborns during pregnancy.
CMV, while usually presenting as asymptomatic in healthy adults, can lead to severe birth defects and neurological issues in babies infected in utero. Dr. Sallie Permar, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine, highlighted the severity of the issue, stating, “It is the most common congenital infection worldwide.”
Published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, a study conducted by the team at Weill Cornell Medicine provided evidence supporting the efficacy of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine candidate in protecting adults against CMV. This development brings hope for preventing the transmission of the harmful infection from mother to baby during pregnancy.
The study revealed that the mRNA vaccine elicited responses more adept at preventing CMV from infecting epithelial cells lining the mouth and nose, the primary defense against viral invasion. Compared to previous vaccine candidates like gB/MF59 by Sanofi and Novartis, the mRNA vaccine also demonstrated superior effectiveness in triggering the immune system to combat CMV-infected cells.
Dr. Permar explained, “We learned that the newer vaccine has the potential to be more effective than a previous CMV vaccine candidate because some of the functional immune responses it elicits are higher in magnitude.”
Moderna’s mRNA technology, combined with a second target—a five-unit protein complex facilitating virus entry into epithelial cells—shows promise in enhancing vaccine efficacy. The study, which compared immune responses of individuals vaccinated with gB/MF59 to those immunized with Moderna’s mRNA-based CMV vaccine, provided valuable insights into the vaccine’s potential.
Following these promising results, Moderna’s vaccine has progressed to the first-ever phase 3 clinical study for a CMV vaccine candidate. This crucial phase aims to determine whether the observed differences in immune responses translate into enhanced protection against CMV.
Dr. Permar expressed optimism about the future of CMV vaccination, remarking, “After more than 50 years of research, we are closer than ever to having a licensed CMV vaccine.” She emphasized the potential of the mRNA platform, signaling a significant advancement in the fight against CMV infection.
As Moderna’s mRNA vaccine continues its journey through clinical trials, its success could mark a significant milestone in addressing the global burden of CMV and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly expectant mothers and their infants.
