Pirbright, GALVmed partner to develop new Rift Valley fever vaccine

AFRICA – The Pirbright Institute, through its Centre for Veterinary Vaccine Innovation and Manufacturing (CVIM), has signed a new agreement with the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed) to advance the development of a Rift Valley fever vaccine intended for low- and middle-income countries.

The initiative will concentrate on African regions where the mosquito-borne disease is endemic, with the aim of providing livestock keepers with an option that avoids the risks associated with existing vaccines.

CVIM will provide the vaccine technology, while GALVmed is responsible for working with a local manufacturing partner to transfer the know-how, carry out safety and efficacy studies, including field trials, and seek regulatory approval.

The vaccine under development uses a replication-incompetent viral vector, which has already demonstrated safety in pregnant animals, addressing one of the most serious drawbacks of currently available Rift Valley fever vaccines.

At present, licensed vaccines include live-attenuated versions, which can trigger abortion or birth defects if administered during pregnancy, and inactivated formulations, which often require several booster doses and are difficult to roll out quickly during an outbreak.

Rift Valley fever affects sheep, goats and cattle most severely, but the disease can also infect humans, making it a significant animal and public health concern in affected regions.

In animals, the disease is marked by high mortality in young stock and widespread abortion, outcomes that cause heavy economic losses for farmers and disrupt production chains for milk, meat and trade.

For humans, infection can occur through mosquito bites or contact with tissues from infected animals, with most cases being mild but severe illness reported in some groups, including pregnant women.

Expert views on the programme

Professor Bryan Charleston, Director of The Pirbright Institute, said the agreement with GALVmed represents the transition of a vaccine candidate from research laboratories into commercial development, with the goal of making it available in affected regions.

Dr Steve Wilson, Director of Research and Development at GALVmed, noted that current Rift Valley fever vaccines remain limited by issues of safety and effectiveness, and added that the new collaboration aims to provide a solution that is safer for livestock and suitable across different species.

By prioritising a vaccine that can be administered to pregnant animals, the partners intend to offer farmers and veterinary services a practical option for reducing livestock deaths, protecting livelihoods and lowering the risk of human infection.

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