Bristol norovirus researchers need volunteers aged over 60 to trial a possible vaccine. The team at Southmead Hospital want to see if it protects people from the symptoms of the winter vomiting bug.
The Nova 301 Trial is a Phase 3 clinical trial – meaning it is in the last phase before a vaccine can be made available for public use after approval from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Phase 3 trials evaluate the vaccine in a large group of people.
The vaccine – referred to as the “investigational vaccine” will be compared to a placebo jab, which is an inactive substance. People taking part in the Nova 301 Trial must be in good health and should not currently have a chronic gastrointestinal disease – including irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, oesophageal reflux, or any other medical condition with regular vomiting or diarrhoea.
Dr Ed Moran, principal Investigator for North Bristol NHS Trust, said: “Norovirus spreads very easily from person to person, via food or contaminated surfaces, so once it takes hold, it can be very difficult to get rid of, especially in settings like care homes, hospitals and schools. While most people recover well in a few days, more vulnerable groups are more likely to need medical support or higher levels of care.”
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Participants will receive either the investigational vaccine or a placebo jab. The trial will last for up to 25 months, and those taking part must be willing to attend up to seven scheduled clinic visits over that time.
The North Bristol NHS Trust site is focused on recruiting volunteers aged 60 and over. Anyone who is interested in taking part can email the Nova 301 Trial team at [email protected] or visit http://www.nova301trialuk.com/ .
Moderna, the company that has developed the investigational vaccine and the Nova 301 Trial programme, will reimburse participants for their trial-related time and expenses, for example, travel.
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