Researchers in Uganda have made significant strides in vaccine development using a novel adenovector backbone that was previously developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, using funds from the government of Uganda. The developed backbone is an open system that can be used in the development of other vaccines for infectious diseases. Notably, the platform is adaptable for both animal and human testing and is currently being utilized by a consortium of researchers led by the Uganda Virus Research Institute and the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. The team is focused on developing a vaccine for Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) using this platform.

This key milestone was announced at a launch event for the study. The event brought together top scientists from UVRI and the MRC Uganda Unit, participating primate centers in the region, policymakers, regulatory authorities, public health officials, and community representatives from CCHF-affected regions. It fostered strategic collaborations for the first phase of vaccine development at the preclinical level including discovery research and evaluation of the candidates in mice and non-human primates for safety, immunogenicity and efficacy.

According to the Principal Investigator of the study, Dr. Sheila Balinda, a molecular virologist at the MRC Uganda Unit, 

“This CCHF vaccine study is one of a kind that will inform intervention strategies for both humans and animals to reduce mortality rates.”

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Forum on Antimicrobial Resistance Committee (PF-AMR), Dr. Charles Ayume, emphasized the importance of new and optimized vaccines, and stated the importance of government funding in promoting vaccine studies. He urged the scientists to further engage policy makers more regularly with key updates to facilitate much needed awareness and action on the key study. He said,

“As PF-AMR Chairperson, I commit to promote discussion about this very important research, whose insights will provide government with knowledge to further health sector development in Uganda. You ought to set up more breakfast meetings to involve more policy makers in future discussions. It will be important that the key messages are simplified to enable understanding of key milestones and support decision making.”

Dr Simon Aliga the District Health Officer of Nakaseke one of the districts in the cattle corridor of Uganda, previously affected by CCHF welcomed the vaccine development study, calling it a timely response to a long-standing challenge in his community. He said,

“At this time, our communities have many concerns about vaccine safety and side effects, from previous experiences. So, it is very positive that these scientists have engaged us at the start of this study, and are explaining to us what they intend to do. It will be good if more of these engagements can involve us as leaders of the affected communities. It is much easier to educate communities when armed with facts about the efficacy of a vaccine.”

The Director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute Professor Pontiano Kaleebu said,

“In recent years, we have successfully managed several clinical trials that are laying the groundwork for future vaccine development and testing. These trials are essential as we move forward, ensuring that our research is supported by real-world data and robust methodologies.”

In his remarks, Professor Moffat Nyirenda, Director of the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, emphasized that CCHF is a deadly disease for which no cure currently exists. He highlighted that the study is part of a broader effort to improve global health security by enhancing preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases.
 

"The study will leverage existing collaborative efforts to sustainably balance and optimise the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment" he noted. "Hopefully we will get the vaccine that can be tried out and not just the vaccine, but also the capacity, expertise, skills plus the pieces of equipment that have been put together will be crucial in developing vaccines for other diseases."

Prof Nyirenda recognized the government's efforts in supporting scientific innovations such as vaccine discoveries and also acknowledged the role of partnerships and community involvement in vaccine discovery work, emphasizing that these projects pave the way for future advancements in healthcare.

Implementation
This collaborative study is implemented by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), MRC/UVRI LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, and Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB) and Institute of primate research in kenya

Funding
This research is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care as part of the UK Vaccine Network (UKVN), a UK Aid programme to develop vaccines for diseases with epidemic potential in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

About the UK Vaccine Network:
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) is the UK Government department which is responsible for helping people to live more independent, healthier lives for longer. This investment is part of the UK Vaccine Network (UKVN). UKVN was established to provide funding to support the development of promising vaccines and vaccine technologies that will help combat infectious diseases that have epidemic potential in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). UKVN is an UK Aid investment, which means all projects funded must support research primarily and directly for the benefit of people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

For more information about the study contact the Principal Investigator at: 

Uganda Virus Research Institute Plot No: 51 -59 Nakiwogo Road 
P.O.Box 49 Entebbe Uganda 
Tel: +256-414-320385/6  Fax: +256-414-320483 
Email: directoruvri@uvri.go.ug

Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit
Plot 51-59 Nakiwogo Road, P. O Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
+256 (0) 312 407000, +256 (0) 417 704101
Email: press@mrcuganda.org