Volunteers needed for Mpox vaccine study in Bristol

Volunteers from across Bristol are being asked to join a study looking at the effectiveness of an investigational vaccine for Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox.

This important study, which is taking place at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and sponsored by Moderna. The study, which is being led from Bristol, is the first study that Moderna is running entirely in the UK.

Since 2022, there has been an increased transmission of Mpox identified in the UK. Common symptoms of the Mpox virus include a rash, fever, chills, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat. In the UK and Europe there is currently only one vaccine licensed for immunisation against Mpox.

Dr Rajeka Lazarus, National Co-ordinating Investigator for the study said: “Mpox is a global public health threat, and more vaccines are urgently needed to prevent future outbreaks.

"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we were overwhelmed with the generosity of volunteers who came forward to take part in a number of vaccine trials. Without them, the advances we’ve seen would not have been possible. It would be fantastic to see the same support for Mpox research."

Volunteers aged between 18 and 49 years old will be randomly selected to either receive 1 of 3 dose levels of the investigational Mpox vaccine, or a placebo.

Investigational means it has not been approved by any of the regulatory agencies in the world, including the United Kingdom (UK) regulatory body, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA).

The study is taking place at multiple research sites across England.

Health and care research can only improve and save lives with the help of volunteers. To find out more about participating in this study, visit the trial website.

The study is also using the Be Part of Research volunteer registry to find suitable participants. The first UK-wide registry for all health and care specialties, it makes finding and taking part in research easier than ever. It also helps researchers and sponsors recruit more quickly and effectively.

People interested in taking part in health and care research can register their details and will be sent information on studies taking place near them.