Preclinical characterization of a novel vaccine for prevention of Chikungunya

Chikungunya virus is prevalent in more than 200 countries worldwide. Although infection causes illness that is usually non-lethal, it is responsible for development of arthralgia which leaves patient(s) debilitated and sometimes permanently unable to work or perform day-to-day functions. Thus it affects quality of life and causes significant economic losses. Active Virosome Technology" enables intracellular delivery of multiple mRNA molecules efficiently for use as vaccines. We have used it to develop novel vaccine agents for prevention of Chikungunya virus infection which induced a strong immune response, to proof of concept stage. This project undertakes preclinical characterization of our lead chikungunya vaccine candidate.