Researchers to Begin Human Testing of Ricin Vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration yesterday allowed the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to begin a clinical trial on humans to test the safety of a new ricin vaccine, according to the Associated Press (see GSN, Sept. 13).

The trial will involve a genetically engineered protein vaccine, RiVax, administered in different amounts to up to 15 volunteers, according to Ellen Vitetta, who led the team that developed the vaccine. Antibodies to ricin produced in the inoculated volunteers will then be administered to mice that will be exposed to 10 times the lethal dose of ricin.

The trial will be stopped and work on the vaccine discontinued if safety problems in humans are detected, Vitetta said. “But, I think the chances of that are so low to be infinitesimal.”

The vaccine in previous trials protected mice and rabbits exposed to ricin, AP reported (Associated Press/USA Today, Dec. 1).

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