UCLH part of new Mpox trial

UCLH is part of an important trial researching an investigational vaccine to potentially prevent Mpox (previously known as monkey pox) and small pox.

Professor Vincenzo Libri is leading the study at the NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility which is aiming to recruit 350 people at sites across the UK.

This study will test the investigational vaccine, known as mRNA-1769, and compare it to a placebo. The placebo looks like mRNA-1769 but has no active drug.

The main goals of the study are:

• To test how safe and how well tolerated mRNA-1769 is in healthy adults after 1 or 2 doses given 28 days apart. 
• To test the body’s immune response (how the body recognises and defends itself) against Mpox and smallpox in healthy adults.

The investigational vaccine is made from a molecule called messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), which tells cells how to make proteins. mRNA-1769 aims to teach cells to make a protein that looks like part of the mpox virus. Using this protein, it is hoped that the immune system can create the antibodies it needs to fight the real mpox virus if it is ever encountered.

Investigators are looking for healthy volunteers to take part in the study. Volunteers should be between the ages of 18 and 49 and in general good health.

Participants will receive reimbursement for their trial-related time and travel to the NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility.

To learn more and to see if you qualify for this important trial, please email: UCLH.mRNAmonkeypox@nhs.net or visit NIHR UCLH CRF Healthy Volunteer studies.