CCHFVACIM Builds on EU Research to Advance a Vaccine
Significant progress has been made in the global fight against Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) — a severe tick-borne viral disease with fatality rates that can reach 40 % and no licensed vaccine available.
CCHF is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Hyalomma ticks, and climate change is increasing the spread of these vectors across Europe, from eastern regions to Portugal and even Sweden.
A recent CORDIS article highlights the advances achieved by the EU-funded CCHFVaccine project (H2020) — a predecessor to CCHFVACIM — in developing robust animal models, testing multiple vaccine platforms, and building infrastructure to access human samples from endemic areas.
These efforts culminated in the identification of genetic vaccine candidates, including mRNA-based approaches informed by the rapid development strategies used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
➡️ CCHFVACIM now takes this work further. This Horizon Europe project continues the mission to develop an mRNA vaccine ready for Phase II clinical trials, alongside research into immunotherapies such as monoclonal antibodies.
The project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium employing deep structural biology, immunogenicity studies, and advanced animal models to assess and optimize candidate vaccines and therapeutic strategies. It also aims to establish essential resources like patient biobanks and to strengthen European research infrastructures to respond to future outbreaks.
This work underscores the importance of preventive action and international collaboration in addressing neglected but potentially devastating diseases like CCHF — with the ultimate goal of protecting public health in Europe and beyond.
