A study on the safety and effectiveness of a novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) used in The Gambia to combat outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 has proven efficient and effective according the Lancet Journal.

The study found that nOPV2 was highly effective in preventing the spread of the vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 in The Gambia. The vaccine successfully boosted immunity and reduced the incidence of polio cases in the targeted population. Additionally, no serious adverse effects were reported, confirming the safety profile of the novel oral polio vaccine.

Three rural and periurban areas in The Gambia, Sibanor, Soma, and Basse, were the subjects of this observational cohort study. The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Research Ethics Committee and the Gambian Government/Medical Research Council Joint Ethics Committee both gave their approval (LEO 26472). Participants could be any kid living in the research areas between the ages of 6 weeks and 59 months whose parents gave written, informed permission.

The study included children aged 6 weeks to 59 months and assessed their symptoms and immune response before and after receiving two rounds of the nOPV2 vaccine in November 2021 and March 2022.

The novel oral polio vaccine is effective in generating a strong immune response

The novel OPV type 2 (nOPV2) strain attempts to reduce the incidence of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis and cVDPV2 by strengthening the genetic stability of the Sabin type 2 OPV.

The findings showed that the vaccine was well-tolerated, with no increase in adverse events or safety concerns. The seroconversion rates (development of antibodies) were high, with 70% after one dose and 91% after two doses.

These results indicate that the novel oral polio vaccine is effective in generating a strong immune response in children. The high seroconversion rates suggest that the vaccine is capable of providing protection against poliovirus. This is a significant breakthrough in the fight against polio, as it provides a safe and effective alternative to the traditional injectable vaccine. With further research and implementation, this novel oral polio vaccine has the potential to greatly reduce the incidence of polio cases worldwide.

Additionally, the vaccine induced mucosal immunity, as evidenced by lower poliovirus excretion after the second round compared to the first. This indicates that the vaccine not only protects the individual receiving it but also helps to prevent the spread of the virus to others. This is crucial to achieving global eradication of polio, as it is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route. The vaccine’s ability to stimulate a strong immune response and provide mucosal immunity makes it a promising tool in the fight against polio, and further studies and widespread implementation are needed to fully assess its long-term efficacy and impact.

These results support the safety and effectiveness of nOPV2 and its potential for licensure and prequalification by the WHO. The WHO plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and their endorsement of nOPV2 would be a significant step towards its widespread use. Additionally, the successful licensure and prequalification of nOPV2 would not only benefit polio eradication efforts but also contribute to the overall improvement of global vaccination programs. Continued research and monitoring of nOPV2’s long-term effectiveness will be crucial in assessing its impact and making informed decisions regarding its implementation.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provided funding for the study. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s funding of the study further underscores the importance of nOPV2 in the global health agenda. The study’s findings will likely influence global health policies.

The following researchers participated in the study: Adedapo O Bashorun, Larry Kotei, Ousubie Jawla, Abdoulie F Jallow, Aisha J Saidy, Ma-Ansu Kinteh, Arafang Kujabi, Tijan Jobarteh, Francis John Kanu, Simon A Donkor, Esu Ezeani, Sidat Fofana, Mbye Njie, Lamin Ceesay, Basit Jafri, Amanda Williams, David Jeffries, Brezesky Kotanmi, Bernardo A Mainou, Michael Ooko, Ed Clarke