According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles is “one of the most readily transmitted communicable diseases and probably the best known and most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses.”
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads through the air by coughing and sneezing. There have been 603 cases of measles reported this year in the United States. Several outbreaks meant that the in May of this year, the U.S. surpassed the record for any year since measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. Despite the domestic concern over measles outbreaks and those who refuse vaccinations, the problem is much worse abroad. In 2012 measles killed around 122,000 children, mostly under five years of age. These numbers are unfortunate since measles can be safely and effectively prevented with a Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The vaccine is sometimes difficult to deliver to children in developing countries due to a lack of funds and adequate cold storage. A new powder form of the MMR vaccine is cheaper and easier to transport and store, which may help increase the global use of the vaccine.
Currently, the MMR vaccine is delivered through two injections, around ages 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years. A new form of the vaccine using a dry powder administered with a puff of air may be an alternative to the traditional MMR vaccine delivery. Professor Robert Sievers and his colleagues created the new delivery technique to avoid the use of needles and cold storage. Their research found that the vaccine protected animals from being infected with measles. They also determined that the dry vaccine can be stored for 6 months to 4 years at room temperature or in a refrigerator.
The first phase I clinical trial for the dry vaccine involved 60 males who were 18-45 years of age and already tested seropositive for the measles antibody. Participants received the powder vaccine using two different devices. Compared to a third group that received the traditional MMR vaccine, results showed that members from all three groups responded similarly. Those who received the dry vaccine had no clinically significant side effects and showed a positive immune response. The research team now plans to advance to the next phase of clinical trials and will eventually enroll women and children.
We are currently enrolling for an MMR vaccine research study. Click here to learn more.
