EML-Vac

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    A first-in-human clinical trial to assess the safety and immunogenicity of three self-amplifying ribonucleic acid (saRNA) vaccines against encoding the surface glycoprotein of Ebola virus, Marburg virus and Lassa virus (EML-Vac)

  • IRAS ID

    1012266

  • Contact name

    Marta Boffito

  • Contact email

    marta.boffito@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    Imperial College London

  • ISRCTN Number

    ISRCTN11364585

  • Research summary

    EMLVAC is a study that is looking at new RNA vaccines against the Marburg, Ebola and Lassa Fever viruses which and
    are the major causes of viral bleeding (heamorrhagic) fever. The aim of the study is to assess the safety of these vaccines alone
    and in combination, since this will be the first time that these have been used in humans. But this trial is NOT looking
    at whether the vaccines are effective in terms of protection. It is just assessing whether and how well the
    immune system responds to the vaccine.

    Since this is the first time these vaccines have been used in humans, the safety will be assessed in healthy young
    adults. 40 participants aged 18-50 years will be randomised to one of five different groups receiving either Ebola,
    Marburg or Lassa self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines individually or in combination by injection into the muscle.
    Participants will receive prime and boosting immunisations 12 weeks apart. They will be careful monitoring for any
    reactions to the vaccine.

    Participants will be asked to record any symptoms in an online diary. To see how well the immune system is
    responding, participants will need to give blood samples several times during the first 6 weeks; then for weeks 12-16
    following their boosted immunization immunisation and finally at 24, 36 and 52 weeks to assess durability of
    response. This study will take place at one study centre.

  • REC name

    London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    25/LO/0596

  • Date of REC Opinion

    19 Sep 2025

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion