The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) has recommended use of US-based biotechnology company PaxVax’s single-dose oral, live attenuated cholera vaccine Vaxchora.
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Cholera is an acute intestinal diarrheal infection that is acquired by ingesting contaminated water and food.
Vaxchora received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 10 June 2016. It is indicated for use in adults aged between 18 and 64.
The vaccine has been recommended by ACIP for prevention of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 for people who travel to areas of active cholera transmission.
PaxVax Clinical Development and Medical Affairs vice-president Lisa Danzig said: "Cholera is an underestimated disease that is found in many popular global travel destinations in the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.
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By GlobalData"Until now, US travellers have not had access to a vaccine to help protect against this potentially deadly pathogen.
"We are very proud to offer the only licensed vaccine against cholera and are encouraged by the ACIP’s recommendation, which recognises the value of Vaxchora as an important option for the protection of adults travelling to cholera-affected areas."
Although the recommended intervention to prevent cholera infection is to avoid the use of contaminated water and food, studies have revealed that 98% of travellers do not follow these precautionary measures while travelling.
Made for all persons in an age or risk-factor-based group, Category A recommendation for Vaxchora will now be forwarded to the director of the CDC and the US Department of Health and Human Services for review and approval.
Expected to be available in September, the cholera vaccine will be distributed through PaxVax’s US marketing and sales organisation.
Image: Vibrio choleraeis the bacteria responsible for the gastroinestinal disease cholera. Photo: courtesy of Tom Kirn, Ron Taylor, Louisa Howard – Dartmouth Electron Microscope Facility.
