Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a viral illness mainly spread by mosquitoes, presents a notable public health risk, especially in areas where these vectors are abundant. Our company is dedicated to driving progress in the development of impactful vaccines and therapies tailored for Eastern equine encephalitis, aiming to address the urgent health challenges posed by this disease.
Introduction to Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) stands as a grave viral infection induced by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), an arbovirus categorized within the Alphavirus genus of the Togaviridae family. Mainly transmitted through mosquito bites, EEEV is endemic to the Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions of the United States, predominantly impacting areas abundant in wetlands. The disease presents with symptoms varying from mild flu-like indications to severe neurological complications, such as encephalitis, resulting in notable morbidity and mortality. The fatality rate for EEE can reach around 30%, with many survivors enduring enduring long-term neurological consequences.
Fig.1 Vaccine strategies against encephalitic Alphavirus infections. (Stromberg Z. R., et al., 2020)
Vaccine Development for Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Live Attenuated Vaccines
While live attenuated vaccines have shown efficacy in veterinary applications, particularly for equines, their development for human use remains limited. These vaccines stimulate a strong immune response but require careful consideration due to safety concerns, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Inactivated Vaccines
The leading candidate for EEEV vaccination is the inactivated PE-6 strain EEEV vaccine (TSI-GSD 104). Clinical trials have shown high immunogenicity, with a primary series dosing on days 0, 7, and 28 resulting in an 84% seroconversion rate, surpassing the 54% rate seen with shorter dosing schedules.
Therapeutics Development for Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Immunomodulatory Therapies
Immunomodulatory therapies, such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and corticosteroids, have been used in the therapeutics of EEE. These therapies aim to modulate the host's immune response to reduce inflammation and tissue damage. The use of IVIG, in particular, has shown potential in improving outcomes in severe cases of EEE.
Given the high incidence of seizures in EEE cases, anticonvulsant medications are an essential component of therapy. These drugs help control seizures and prevent further neurological damage. The choice of anticonvulsant and the duration of therapeutic are guided by the patient's clinical status and the severity of neurological involvement.
Our Services
As a leading provider in the field, our company is dedicated to delivering full-service support for the development of vaccines and therapies targeting Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). Through the utilization of advanced scientific research and a profound comprehension of the disease's pathophysiology, our goal is to introduce pioneering solutions that address the challenges posed by EEE to the market.
Preclinical Research
- Pharmacodynamics Study Services
- Pharmacokinetics Study Services
- Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Disease Models
- Golden Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) Models
- Mouse (BALB/c, C57BL/6, NIH Swiss, and CD-1) Infection Models
- Guinea Pig (Hartley strain) Models
- Non-human Primate Models
Infection route: intranasal, subcutaneous, and aerosol exposure
Preclinical research is a critical phase in the development of any new vaccine or therapy. Our services include the design and execution of preclinical studies, which involve rigorous testing in controlled laboratory settings. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Stromberg, Zachary R., et al. "Vaccine advances against Venezuelan, eastern, and western equine encephalitis viruses." Vaccines 8.2 (2020): 273.
- Pierson, Benjamin C., et al. "Safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated eastern equine encephalitis virus vaccine." Vaccine 39.20 (2021): 2780-2790.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
