Breakthrough: New Human Vaccine Developed to Prevent Rabies Virus Infection

Zhuoyi Biological Announces Breakthrough in Human Rabies Vaccination with Vero Cell Cultured Rabies Vaccine

Zhuoyi Biological, a leading pharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing public health through innovative vaccines, today announced a significant breakthrough in the prevention of rabies with its Vero cell cultured rabies vaccine. This latest development marks a milestone in the global fight against the deadly virus, which annually claims the lives of approximately 59,000 people worldwide, mostly in Africa and Asia.

The Urgency of Rabies Prevention

Rabies, a zoonotic viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, primarily dogs, is one of the most feared infectious diseases due to its almost 100% fatality rate once symptoms manifest. Clinical features of rabies include encephalitis, characterized by symptoms such as hydrophobia (fear of water), aerophobia (fear of air), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and progressive paralysis. The disease imposes a substantial economic burden on affected communities, with estimated annual losses exceeding $8.6 billion globally.

Advancing Rabies Vaccination Technology

For over a century, scientists have been striving to develop effective vaccines against rabies. From the pioneering work of Louis Pasteur and Emile Roux in 1885, who used rabbit spinal cord tissue to create the first attenuated rabies vaccine, to modern cell-based technologies, the evolution of rabies vaccines has been remarkable. Zhuoyi Biological's Vero cell cultured rabies vaccine represents the latest advancement in this field, offering superior safety, immunogenicity, and accessibility.

Vero Cell Cultured Rabies Vaccine: A Game-Changer

The Vero cell line, initially developed by French researchers in the 1960s, has proven to be an ideal substrate for the production of various vaccines, including those for rabies and polio. Zhuoyi Biological's Vero cell cultured rabies vaccine utilizes this well-established cell line to cultivate and purify the rabies virus, ensuring high-quality and consistent production. The vaccine has undergone rigorous clinical trials, demonstrating similar immunogenicity and safety profiles compared to traditional chick embryo cell and human diploid cell rabies vaccines.

Enhanced Efficacy and Safety

Recent studies have shown that Zhuoyi Biological's Vero cell cultured rabies vaccine elicits robust immune responses in both exposed and non-exposed individuals. In the simplified Zagreb immunization schedule, the vaccine demonstrated comparable immunogenicity and safety to the standard Essen protocol, with high serum conversion rates and low adverse event rates. The vaccine's ability to induce early antibody responses, as evidenced by higher seroconversion rates at day 7 post-vaccination, underscores its potential to provide faster protection against rabies.

Global Reach and Impact

Zhuoyi Biological's Vero cell cultured rabies vaccine is poised to make a significant impact globally, particularly in regions where rabies is endemic. The vaccine's high production yield and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option for mass vaccination campaigns, contributing to the World Health Organization's (WHO) goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. The company is actively engaging with international health organizations and governments to facilitate access to this life-saving vaccine in underserved communities.

Innovation for a Healthier Future

At Zhuoyi Biological, we are committed to driving innovation in vaccine development and production. Our Vero cell cultured rabies vaccine is just one example of our dedication to creating safer, more effective, and accessible vaccines for global public health. As we continue to invest in research and development, we remain hopeful that our efforts will contribute to a world free from the threat of rabies and other infectious diseases.

Conclusion

The announcement of Zhuoyi Biological's Vero cell cultured rabies vaccine represents a significant step forward in the global fight against rabies. With its proven efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness, this vaccine holds the potential to save countless lives and alleviate the economic burden imposed by this devastating disease. Zhuoyi Biological is proud to be at the forefront of this critical public health initiative and looks forward to continuing its mission of advancing human health through innovative vaccines.

Additional Information on Vero Cell Cultured Rabies Vaccine

Production Process

Zhuoyi Biological's Vero cell cultured rabies vaccine is produced using a rigorous and well-established process. The rabies virus fixed strain, such as the CTN-1V strain, is propagated in Vero cells under controlled conditions. The virus-infected cells are then harvested, and the virus is inactivated and purified to remove any impurities. The purified antigen is then formulated with stabilizers and adjuvants to create the final vaccine product.

Immunization Schedule

The recommended immunization schedule for Zhuoyi Biological's Vero cell cultured rabies vaccine varies depending on the individual's exposure status. For exposed individuals, the vaccine is administered on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28, with a booster dose recommended one year later. For pre-exposure prophylaxis, the vaccine is given on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28, with revaccination recommended every two to three years for continued protection.

Safety and Side Effects

The Vero cell cultured rabies vaccine has an excellent safety profile, with most adverse reactions being mild and transient. Common side effects include local reactions such as pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, as well as systemic reactions such as mild fever, headache, and fatigue. Severe adverse events are rare and typically occur in individuals with known allergies to vaccine components.

Storage and Handling

Zhuoyi Biological's Vero cell cultured rabies vaccine must be stored and transported under strict temperature conditions (2-8°C) to maintain its potency and stability. The vaccine should be protected from light and kept in its original packaging until ready for use. Once opened, the vaccine should be used immediately to prevent degradation and loss of potency.

Conclusion

Zhuoyi Biological's Vero cell cultured rabies vaccine represents a significant advancement in the prevention of rabies, a deadly and devastating disease. With its proven efficacy, safety, and accessibility, this vaccine has the potential to save countless lives and contribute to the global effort to eliminate rabies. Zhuoyi Biological remains committed to advancing public health through innovative vaccine development and production, and we are proud to offer this life-saving vaccine to individuals and communities around the world.