Following the recent discovery that infection with Epstein-Barr virus increases risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) by 32-fold, GlobalData highlights that there are currently 15 Epstein-Barr vaccines in development. Of these, the leading data and analytics company notes that Moderna’s mRNA-1189 is one of the most promising because it is being developed by a successful company.

Camila Dalitz, Analyst for Drugs Databases at GlobalData, comments: “This discovery creates a new market for Epstein-Barr virus vaccines, which Moderna stands to benefit from. Moderna’s mRNA-1189 vaccine, which uses the same mRNA as its successful COVID-19 vaccine, shows how technologies developed for the COVID-19 pandemic can potentially help other indications.”

Of the 15 vaccines actively under development for the Epstein-Barr virus, Moderna is the most prominent company involved. Most of the vaccines are Subunit Vaccines, followed by mRNA vaccines. Only one of the vaccines in the pipeline is a Live Attenuated Vaccine.

Dalitz continues: “Having now started testing its mRNA-1189 in Phase I studies, the company might have some challenges related to the efficacy of the vaccine. However, if the clinical trials are successful, this vaccine could be one of the first on the market for the Epstein-Barr virus.”

Moderna also has a second Epstein-Barr virus vaccine in its pipeline, mRNA-1195. This vaccine, which is in preclinical research, has immune-stimulant activity, and helps the immune system recognize antigens from the virus for future exposure.

Other drugs in development include the modified vaccinia ankara (MVA) vaccine under development by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, which is in Phase II. This vaccine is a recombinant vector vaccine, which uses the same technology as AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccines.

Dalitz adds: “This discovery and the prospect of reducing the risk of MS creates a new market of Epstein-Barr virus vaccines.”