The world’s first human diploid cell vaccine against enterovirus 71 (EV71), a primary cause of the hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), was recently launched to market in China. The vaccine was independently developed by the Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences thanks to the longstanding support from the Major National Science and Technology Projects and the National High Technology Research and Development Program (863 Program). A ceremony marking the world’s first inoculation of the vaccine was held on March 22, 2016. The vaccine is the first of its kind produced from human cellular matrix and offers 100% protection against serious HFMD cases caused by EV71.
EV71 is a leading cause of HFMD and is responsible for 80% of serious HFMD cases and 93% of deaths. Vaccination is considered an essential solution to prevent an HFMD outbreak since there is no effective cure at the marketplace. EV71 vaccine is produced by the inoculating the FY-23K-B strain into human diploid cell, and adding aluminum hydroxide as an adjuvant and glycine as a stabilizing agent.
The successful launch of the vaccine will help China effectively contain the spreading of HFMD among children, marking an important milestone for the man’s fights against the disease.