Generating high-quality evidence on existing vaccines for Chikungunya in response to outbreaks

8 April 2025 13:00 – 18:20 CET

Virtual meeting on Tuesday, 08 April 2025, from 13:00 to 18:20 CET (Geneva time)

BACKGROUND

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus causing severe joint pain and fever. Since its first identification in Tanzania in 1952, CHIKV has spread across 110+ countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Increased outbreaks since 2004 are linked to viral adaptations that enhance transmission via Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which also spread dengue and Zika viruses.

Currently, a major epidemic in the French overseas department of la Réunion (over 20,000 total cases, over 5,000 cases in the last week) is expanding across the Southwest Indian Ocean. Mauritius has reported autochthonous transmission, with a total of 17 cases reported as of 02 April. Mayotte has further reported an imported case from la Réunion.

CHIKV transmission persists in populations with low prior exposure, making vaccines an important component of a comprehensive outbreak response. This makes research on their characteristics and use crucial.

This consultation will review existing vaccines, identify knowledge gaps, and discuss strategies to generate the best quality evidence for outbreak response.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this meeting are to:

Assess current evidence: Review existing data on chikungunya virus (CHIKV) vaccines, including available safety, immunogenicity, preclinical animal challenge, and cross-neutralization data, among other types.
Identify science gaps: Determine critical gaps in evidence that need to be addressed for informed decision-making during outbreaks.
Explore methodological approaches: Discuss the most effective study designs, surveillance methods, and analytical strategies for generating high-quality evidence.
Outline remaining regulatory and policy requirements: Ensure methodological approaches are sufficient to answer remaining post-licensure questions for continued regulatory approval and eventual prequalification.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Research prioritization: A structured list of priority research areas and methodological approaches to improve evidence generation.
Enhanced collaboration: Identify key stakeholders, including researchers, public health agencies, and industry partners, to strengthen data-sharing and research efforts.
Structured approach: Provide an outline of essential steps and timelines to address the identified research gaps and opportunities, ensuring a structured approach to advancing the research agenda.