The Emmes Corporation Expands Zika Vaccine Research

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Emmes Corporation today announced a contract spanning just over four years for a Phase 2 study of a Zika vaccine.  The contract, valued at up to $27.6 million, expands the initial Phase 1 testing that began last year.  This is the first-ever Phase 2 study for a Zika vaccine.

Dr. Anne Lindblad, president and chief executive officer of Emmes, said, "The win is important because it expands our role in combating the Zika virus,  a significant and enduring public health challenge."

The clinical study is being conducted for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease's Vaccine Research Center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The study, titled a Phase 2/2B, Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Safety, Immunogenicity and Efficacy of a Zika Virus DNA Vaccine in Healthy Adults and Adolescents, is being conducted in two parts. 

In the first part, 90 healthy adults, 18-35 years of age, will be enrolled at Baylor College of Medicine and the Puerto Rico Clinical and Translational Research Consortium.  In the second part, 2,400 healthy adults and adolescents, 15-35 years of age, that reside in Zika endemic or potential endemic regions will be enrolled in the U.S., Caribbean, South America and Central America.

Under the contract, Emmes will lead the data management, statistical, regulatory, and clinical monitoring efforts.  The company currently supports the predecessor study, a Phase 1 trial that is testing the same Zika vaccine in 45 subjects. 

In addition to the Zika studies for the Vaccine Research Center, Emmes supports four other Zika clinical trials.

"Emmes is no stranger to being called into action in the fight against major world health threats," said Dr. Lindblad.  "Zika, Ebola and pandemic flu vaccines are some recent examples. We're proud to be making a contribution to vaccine science and trying to reduce the risk of future epidemics."

About Emmes
We collaborate with our clients to produce valued, trusted scientific research. Our team members at Emmes are passionate about making a difference in the quality of human health, and we have supported more than a thousand studies across a diverse range of diseases since our formation in 1977.  Our research is contributing to a healthier world. For more information, visit the Emmes website at www.emmes.com.

SOURCE The Emmes Corporation