A new rabies vaccine candidate has shown robust immune responses lasting up to one year after a single dose. The Phase 1b/2 trial evaluated ChAdOx2 RabG, a viral vector-based vaccine designed for low-cost, single-dose pre-exposure prophylaxis. Conducted in Tanzania, the study included healthy adults and children.
The vaccine was well tolerated across all age groups. The most common side effects were mild to moderate injection-site pain and fever. No serious vaccine-related adverse reactions were reported.
Immunogenicity results showed that a single full dose generated rabies virus neutralizing antibodies that remained above protective thresholds at 365 days. Children showed particularly strong responses, with higher antibody titers than adults and comparator groups.
Compared to standard inactivated rabies vaccines, ChAdOx2 RabG produced higher sustained antibody levels than single-visit schedules and, in children, exceeded responses from two-visit regimens. Longer-term monitoring is ongoing.
This vaccine could become a cost-effective option for rabies prevention in endemic areas.