A promising breakthrough in the fight against Lassa fever has emerged, as a vaccine developed by a Nigerian virologist has shown 100% protection in preclinical trials.
Dr. Simeon Agwale, Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Biotech, disclosed in Abuja that the vaccine—licensed from the University of Melbourne—successfully protected mice and non-human primates against the Nigerian strain of the Lassa virus during laboratory tests.
“This vaccine is the only one currently showing efficacy against the Nigerian strain of Lassa virus,” Agwale said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). “Five out of five unvaccinated mice died when exposed to the virus, while all vaccinated mice survived. Similar results were observed in primates.”
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported over 138 Lassa fever deaths so far this year, with Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba accounting for 71% of cases. The disease, which is endemic in Nigeria, spreads through contact with rodent droppings or infected bodily fluids.
Agwale explained that doses for human trials are being produced in the United States through a technology transfer agreement, pending the completion of Nigeria’s own vaccine production facility. Phase 1 clinical trials are expected to begin soon, though the vaccine must still pass regulatory approval before public use.
While celebrating the vaccine milestone, Agwale also criticized Nigeria’s scientific research infrastructure, particularly its academic system. “We continue to send lecturers abroad for postdoctoral training without structured systems to utilize their skills when they return,” he said. He urged the government to overhaul university curricula to prioritize market-driven fields such as vaccinology and pharmaceutical development.
The development of this vaccine marks a significant step forward in the fight against a disease that has long plagued Nigerian communities, offering a glimmer of hope that its deadly grip could soon be loosened.
