Oxford study shows promising outcomes for new single-dose rabies vaccine
Researchers reported stronger immune responses from adults and children
A new clinical trial led by the University of Oxford has found that a single-dose rabies vaccine could safely provide long-lasting protection for both adults and children.
Rabies is responsible for an estimated 59,000 deaths annually, primarily affecting children in Africa and Asia.
Current vaccines require multiple doses, posing delivery challenges in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
The trial in Tanzania tested a new vaccine on 63 adults and 111 children aged two to six.
Researchers compared its effectiveness to existing rabies vaccines and reported stronger immune responses with the new one.
Adult participants showed antibody levels around five times higher than current options, while children exhibited levels more than eight times greater one year post-vaccination.
Professor Sandy Douglas of the University of Oxford, the vaccine developer, said: “Rabies is entirely preventable, yet it still causes tens of thousands of deaths each year, mostly among children.
"What makes this especially tragic is that existing vaccines work well, but they are difficult to deliver in the places where they are most needed."
He further explained that a single-dose vaccine could offer a practical and affordable protection method, particularly for those in rural and low-resource settings.
The study also raises the possibility of using the vaccine for emergency treatment post-exposure, pending further research planned for later this year.
With rabies commonly transmitted through dog bites, global strategies focus on dog vaccination and enhancing post-exposure treatment access.
Ongoing follow-ups from the initial trial aim to assess the vaccine's longevity over 5.5 years, with larger studies needed to solidify findings and enable regulatory approval.
Dr Adam Ritchie, the study's first author, expressed optimism: “If these results are confirmed in larger trials, this vaccine could be a game changer for rabies prevention.
"In a world where wealthy travellers can be vaccinated but children living in the same high-risk regions rarely are, it has the potential to simplify vaccination, reduce costs, and ultimately save lives.”