Norovirus vaccine trial set to take place in Oxfordshire

Researchers at Windrush Medical Practice in Witney and Eynsham Medical Group are recruiting people to take part in the Nova 301 Trial.

The Phase 3 clinical trial will see if the investigational vaccine can protect people aged 18 or older against the symptoms caused by norovirus.

The virus is one of the most common causes of stomach bugs in the UK, but there is currently no vaccine to protect against the infection.

The investigational vaccine will be compared to a placebo jab, which is an inactive substance.

The Nova 301 Trial is the last phase before an investigational vaccine can be made available for public use, pending approval from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Dr Nick Thomas, leading the study at Windrush Medical Practice, Witney, said: "Norovirus spreads very easily from person to person, via food or contaminated surfaces, so once it takes hold, it can be very difficult to get rid of, especially in settings like care homes, hospitals, and schools.

Dr Nick Thomas is leading the study at Windrush Medical Practice in Witney (Image: NIHR) "While most people recover well in a few days, more vulnerable groups are more likely to need medical support or higher levels of care."

To take part in the Nova 301 Trial, individuals must be 18 or older, in good health, and must not currently have a chronic gastrointestinal disease such as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, oesophageal reflux, or any other medical condition with regular vomiting or diarrhoea.

The trial will last for up to 25 months, and participants must be willing to attend up to seven scheduled clinic visits over that time.

The Nova 301 Trial team will be on hand to support everyone who takes part in the trial and will ensure participants understand the important details about the trial before agreeing to take part.

This is called informed consent and includes what the trial involves and any risks.

Moderna, the company which has developed the investigational vaccine and the Nova 301 Trial programme, will reimburse participants for their trial-related time and expenses.

More information about the Nova 301 Trial is available from the Nova 301 Trial team on 01993 862157 for Windrush Medical Practice and 01865 881342 for Eynsham Medical Group.

The trial is being supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s research delivery network at 27 NHS primary and secondary care sites.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research funds research that benefits the NHS, public health, and social care in a bid to improve the health of the nation.