Hantavirus Vaccine: Moderna Has Been Developing a Vaccine Since 2023 in Collaboration with a Korean University
Moderna has been developing an mRNA-based hantavirus vaccine since 2023 in collaboration with Korea University, with research accelerated by the deadly Andes virus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius. The Andes strain, linked to high mortality rates and human-to-human transmission, has reignited global urgency for a vaccine, as current options remain limited and ineffective against severe strains like HPS.
A deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, which sailed from Argentina to Cabo Verde, has intensified global demand for a vaccine against the Andes virus strain. The outbreak, which has caused multiple deaths and infections, underscores the urgency of addressing hantavirus, particularly its human-to-human transmission and high fatality rates ranging from 30% to 50%. Moderna has been collaborating with Korea University’s Vaccine Innovation Center since 2023 to develop an mRNA-based hantavirus vaccine under its 'mRNA Access' program. The partnership, announced publicly in 2024, aims to create a vaccine effective against multiple hantavirus strains, unlike existing vaccines in Asia, which target older strains and offer incomplete protection. The Andes virus causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a rapid-onset respiratory failure that can lead to kidney failure. Research published in *Nature Communications* found that experimental nucleic-acid-based vaccines generated strong neutralizing antibodies in pre-clinical tests, offering hope for overcoming past scientific challenges. Meanwhile, other research institutions, including the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, are exploring recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus technology for next-generation vaccines. Moderna’s involvement has drawn investor attention, with shares briefly surging after reports linked the company’s vaccine research to the outbreak. Analysts caution, however, that the hantavirus market remains small, despite the potential for accelerated development. The collaboration leverages Moderna’s mRNA platform, similar to its COVID-19 vaccine, allowing for rapid redesigns against emerging strains. Health officials are monitoring survivors of the MV Hondius outbreak while conducting contact tracing, as concerns grow over the virus’s rare but lethal nature. The outbreak has reignited discussions about fast-tracking vaccine research, with some speculating that human trials could begin soon, though no official timeline has been confirmed.
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