The United States approved the first vaccine against chikungunya on Thursday, developed by the Valneva group, health authorities announced in a press release.
The vaccine, which will be marketed under the name Ixchiq, is authorized for people aged 18 and over, at increased risk of being exposed to the virus, said the US Medicines Agency (FDA), whose decisions are widely followed around the world.
Chikungunya, which causes fever and severe joint pain, is an illness caused by a virus transmitted by the tiger mosquito. It is mainly present in tropical regions.
According to the FDA, at least five million cases of infection have been recorded over the past 15 years.
Single dose
“Chikungunya virus infections can lead to serious and long-term health problems, particularly for the elderly and individuals with a medical history,” Peter Marks, a senior official at the American agency, said in the press release. .
The vaccine is injected in one dose, and contains the attenuated virus — a standard technique used for other vaccines.
Two clinical trials were carried out in North America on several thousand people. The main side effects are headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, and even nausea.
In rare cases, more serious reactions have been noted, the FDA said. Two clinical trial participants who received the vaccine required hospitalization.
An application for authorization has also been filed by Valneva with the European Medicines Agency (EMA).