OU Researchers Work to Develop Vaccine for West Nile Virus

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK-- Researchers at the OU Health and Sciences Center (OUHSC) and Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) are working toward a vaccine for the West Nile Virus.

"We know from that research that we actually have a good vaccine that could protect against West Nile Disease," said Dr. James Papin, who leads research on the West Nile Vaccine at OUHSC.

Dr. Papin says the vaccine has been proven effective on lab models.  Researchers hope renewed interest with the recent surge of West Nile in Oklahoma will push this project to the forefront. 

"I think the important thing to remember is there's always someone behind the scenes working hard to keep the population safe," he said. 

OU Researchers have spent a decade working on the West Nile vaccine, but the vaccine has yet to enter clinical trials, which means it will be some time before the vaccine would become available to the public.

Dr. Papin says the vaccine combines the West Nile Virus with methylene blue and a wavelength of light.

"It more or less kills the virus," Dr. Papin explained, "and we can use that killed virus as a vaccine." 

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), there are at least 61 cases of West Nile Virus in Oklahoma, including three deaths.  OSDH data shows the three deaths occurred in patients 80 and over.  Officials say most confirmed cases of West Nile Virus occurred in patients 40 and over.
OU Researchers Work to Develop Vaccine for West Nile Virus

Posted: Monday, August 20 2012, 09:47 PM CDT