Fighting Zika Virus

[Anchor Lead]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved clinical trials for a vaccine it is hoped will help the world fight the Zika virus. Korean companies are also participating in the development of the vaccine.

[Pkg]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given a green light to clinical trials on humans for the vaccine GLS-5700, whose purpose is to fight the Zika virus. The vaccine is currently being developed by a U.S. pharmaceutical company and a Korean firm dedicated to the development of new medicines. More than 20 companies worldwide have launched the development of Zika virus vaccines so far, but it's the first time that the FDA approved clinical trials for a potential vaccine. The first round of clinical trials will be conducted on 40 healthy subjects. The second round, if approved, will be conducted on people affected by the Zika virus. The GLS-5700 vaccine has shown positive results in animal tests by generating a powerful immune response in monkeys, but the U.S. media say it's too early to discuss its efficacy and safety. The World Health Organization says it will probably take years before an approved vaccine is produced. Transmitted by mosquitoes, the Zika virus has spread to more than 50 countries and is expected to affect three million additional people in South and North America this year.