Published 1 day ago,
Reading 2 mins.
Two new Sanofi vaccines have proven successful in combating the Epstein-Barr virus. A virus recently linked to multiple sclerosis.
The Epstein-Barr virus is a very common virus, present in nearly 95% of adults. Last January, a study showed a causal link between the virus and multiple sclerosis, and in April, based on this hypothesis, scientists from the University of Oslo managed to slow the progression of the disease. Since then, researchers have been working to find a vaccine. Lately, their efforts have finally paid off. Two new vaccines, developed by the Sanofi group and the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute in the United States, are under development.
Epstein-Barr virus: two vaccines have proven effective
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpes family. It causes several diseases, including infectious mononucleosis, Burkitt’s lymphoma (a very aggressive cancer) or multiple sclerosis, although not all infected people develop this autoimmune disease.
To prevent these diseases, a group of researchers from the Sanofi laboratory looked into the development of a vaccine. It is not one but two injections that they have succeeded in developing.
Their results, published in the journal Science Translational Medicinerelate the specificities of the two candidate vaccines and their efficacy evaluated during animal tests.
Immune responses in mice, ferrets and primates
The work involved developing nanoparticle-based vaccines targeting glycoproteins. The researchers then injected these two vaccines into mice, ferrets and primates, whose immune responses proved to be conclusive.
Following these initial positive results, the scientists vaccinated mice again, whose immune system was similar to that of humans. The researchers allowed the mice to age and none of them developed any of the types of cancers associated with Epstein-Barr viral infections.
These results, which are very promising, should be the subject of further research. Human clinical trials are planned for next year.
The treatment of multiple sclerosis
Each year, 2500 new cases of multiple sclerosis are diagnosed. However, no treatment cures the disease.
Basic treatments only prevent recurrences of flare-ups in relapsing-remitting forms and delay the onset of permanent disability. These solutions act on the immune system and make it possible to:
- Relieve symptoms on a daily basis;
- Reduce the number, duration and intensity of flare-ups and the acute inflammation associated with the disease;
- Avoid complications related to immobility, thanks to rehabilitation.
However, these treatments are not very effective on the form of progressive multiple sclerosis, which is characterized by a more continuous progression of the disease, with fewer flare-ups.
People with multiple sclerosis often have a reduced life expectancy, 6-7 years less than the average for the general population.