By RICK COUSINS Correspondent
The Daily News received four questions and answers about Zika from Dr. Pei-Yong Shi, professor of Human Genetics at the University of Texas Medical Branch and adjunct professor of emerging infectious diseases at the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School in Singapore, who is busy at work on a Zika vaccine.
Shi arrived at the medical branch after spending seven years as the head of Dengue research and executive director to lead drug discovery at the Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases.
He also a principal investigator on possible Zika vaccines that might one day stave off epidemics such as the one hitting Brazil. The medical branch has a formal agreement with that country concerning the ongoing medical war against Zika.
Q: There has been speculation that the Zika virus may have mutated substantially since it was discovered in Africa. Is this verified or do we not know or is it something that the medical branch will be investigating?
A: It is currently not known what has caused the sudden and rapid spread of Zika virus. The medical branch scientists are actively investigating what has led to the current epidemics, including the mutations that have accumulated in the virus.
Q: If the virus has shown substantial genetic drift, will developing a long-term vaccine be more difficult?
A: Genetic changes in the virus will pose challenges for vaccine and therapeutics development. However, based on the knowledge about vaccines available for other flaviviruses (similar to Zika virus), it is unlikely that the genetic changes in Zika virus will be a concern for vaccine efficacy.
Q: Based on the medical branch’s history with tropical disease vaccines, is the project more likely to proceed here? What kind of timeline is estimated for one to be available for use overseas and for the United States.
A: Many aspects of Zika virus research are ongoing at the medical branch, including vaccine development. The timeline of vaccine development depends on the content of the specific vaccine technology. It is reasonable to estimate that pre-clinical studies could be achieved in 12 months. The clinical development of the vaccine will take longer.
Q: Is there a clear message that Gulf Coast residents need to hear about Zika, Zika and pregnancy?
A: Avoid traveling to epidemic areas. If you have to travel there, take the proper precautions to minimize mosquito bites.
Rick Cousins can be reached at rick.cousins@galvnews.com.