Researchers Developing Nipah Virus Vaccine, To Begin Clinical Trial In April

A team of researchers in Japan is developing a vaccine for Nipah virus in humans and plans to conduct a clinical trial in April.

The University of Tokyo researchers will test the vaccine candidate in Belgium.

There is currently no vaccine for Nipah virus, which has an estimated fatality rate between 40 and 75 percent.

Nipah virus vaccine from University of Tokyo set for April clinical trial https://t.co/N1hgltjmld

— Nikkei Asia (@NikkeiAsia) January 31, 2026

Reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in an Indian state prompted airports across Asia to implement COVID-style screenings.

Airports introduced precautionary measures after two Nipah virus cases were confirmed in India’s West Bengal.

Deadly Illness Reportedly Detected In Asia, Prompting Airports To Implement Screening Measures Similar To COVID-19

NDTV has more:

The new vaccine is reportedly being developed by inserting a portion of the Nipah virus's genetic information into the measles virus.

“When the vaccine is introduced in humans, antigen proteins similar to those of the Nipah virus are produced. The immune system's response is seen strengthening the body's defenses, helping to prevent the onset of symptoms,” the report said.

“The modified measles virus, widely used globally for measles vaccines,” it added.

The team has already established the vaccine's efficacy and safety in animal trials with hamsters.

To confirm the vaccine's safety in humans, the Phase 1 clinical trial will involve 60 subjects.

Separately, a team from Oxford University began Phase 2 clinical trials with a Nipah vaccine candidate in Bangladesh in December. About 300 people aged 18 to 55 are expected to participate.

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Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance suggested Nipah virus may be the "next test of how prepared we really are."

A deadly virus with no cure. A 75% fatality rate. Outbreaks have been small so far, but climate change is shifting that risk.

The virus? Nipah.

And now, for the first time, two vaccines for Nipah are heading into human trials, with scientists racing to stay ahead of the… pic.twitter.com/bUr77O6opV

— Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (@gavi) December 28, 2025

The entire Nipah virus response in Asia is hauntingly reminiscent of COVID-19.

Newsmax explained further:

In response, officials launched aggressive contact tracing, placing family members, classmates, and hospital staff into home isolation or supervised quarantine.

Entire apartment buildings and school groups in affected areas have been ordered to remain indoors while health workers conduct door-to-door symptom checks.

Other countries across Asia, including Pakistan, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, have activated contingency plans developed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Measures include isolation wards for suspected cases, mass testing in targeted areas, and renewed airport screening for travelers arriving from affected regions.

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Nipah, a bat-borne virus, has long concerned scientists, but its profile has risen sharply in recent years because of its deadly nature and limited treatment options.

The WHO has formally designated Nipah as a "priority pathogen," a label reserved for viruses that could trigger a global outbreak and require accelerated research and vaccine development.

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