A phase 2 clinical trial has found that the Australian-developed neonatal rotavirus vaccine RV3-BB was safe and produced a robust immune response in African babies. The immune response generated was similar in the group given a reduced dose of the vaccine compared to the high dose, providing an opportunity to reduce vaccine manufacturing costs.
Rotavirus vaccines reduce rotavirus-related deaths and hospitalisations but are less effective in high child mortality countries. The unique characteristics of RV3-BB, with the first dose given soon after birth, has the potential to make a significant impact on rotavirus diarrhea disease burden in children in Africa and Asia.
