eVaccine – A novel inactivation method for the production of a cost-effective poliovirus vaccine

Initial situation

Polioviruses are the causative agents of poliomyelitis. Poliovirus infection can attack the spinal nerves and lead to paralysis and severe disability.

There is currently no antiviral therapy available. Vaccination programmes using inactivated or live attenuated poliovirus have been enormously successful in reducing the incidence of the disease.

However, the worldwide eradication of poliovirus, a declared goal of the World Health Organization (WHO), has still not been achieved. Poliomyelitis is still endemic in some countries in Africa (Nigeria) and Asia (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria).

To achieve eradication, preventive measures such as vaccination and surveillance must be further intensified. Current vaccines (vaccines) are based on inactivated or live but attenuated polioviruses. An alternative approach, which allows for the development of cost-effective, safe and effective vaccines, is urgently needed.