The deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has renewed global attention on efforts to develop a vaccine against the virus, but researchers say an approved shot is still likely many years away.

Scientists and public health experts say limited funding, sporadic outbreaks, and low commercial incentives have repeatedly slowed vaccine development despite the severe risks associated with hantavirus infections.

Researchers say hantavirus has long been neglected

Sabra Klein, a professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said hantavirus research has historically received far less funding than other infectious diseases.

“Our funding agencies don’t put a lot of money into this,” Klein said, noting that outbreaks are relatively rare compared to major global epidemics.

Hantaviruses can cause hemorrhagic fever and severe respiratory illness, making outbreaks particularly alarming when they occur.

UK biotech company developing mRNA vaccine

One of the leading vaccine efforts is being developed by EnsiliTech, a biotechnology company based in the United Kingdom.

The company has reportedly worked on a hantavirus vaccine for approximately 15 years.

Its vaccine uses messenger RNA technology, the same platform used in many COVID-19 vaccines developed during the pandemic.

The vaccine currently targets the Hantaan strain of hantavirus, which is primarily found in East Asia and is associated with severe kidney complications and internal bleeding.

Scientists working on room-temperature vaccine

EnsiliTech researchers have focused heavily on solving storage and transportation challenges that complicated the global rollout of COVID vaccines.

The company developed a process called “ensilication,” which surrounds mRNA material in a protective silica structure designed to stabilize the vaccine at room temperature.

Company officials say the technology could make future vaccine distribution easier, especially in regions with limited refrigeration infrastructure.

Human trials still years away

Despite progress in animal testing, the vaccine has not yet entered human clinical trials.

EnsiliTech estimates it may take another three to four years before early-stage human studies begin.

Without major government support similar to Operation Warp Speed, experts say it could take a decade or more before a vaccine reaches the public.

The company said it may eventually explore vaccines targeting the Andes strain, which has been linked to the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.

Cruise ship outbreak renewed public concern

The outbreak on the MV Hondius has killed multiple passengers and led to quarantines and international evacuations.

Health officials identified the Andes strain of hantavirus during the investigation.

Unlike most hantavirus variants, the Andes strain is known in rare cases to spread between humans through very close contact.

The outbreak sparked renewed debate about global preparedness for less common but potentially deadly infectious diseases.

Existing vaccines remain limited

According to experts, China and South Korea already use hantavirus vaccines, though studies have produced mixed results regarding effectiveness.

Those vaccines are not widely available internationally.

Dr. Ofer Levy of Boston Children’s Hospital said the U.S. military has shown periodic interest in hantavirus vaccine research because American troops have historically faced exposure risks abroad.

Funding challenges continue slowing research

Experts say the biggest obstacle remains funding and commercial interest.

Because hantavirus outbreaks are relatively uncommon and often affect lower-income regions, pharmaceutical companies have historically invested less heavily in vaccine development.

“There has been no ‘Warp Speed’ for hantavirus,” Levy said.

Researchers warn that without stronger international investment, progress toward an effective vaccine could continue moving slowly despite growing public concern after the cruise ship outbreak.

Author: Staff Writer | Edited for WTFwire.com | SOURCE: NBC News