The first clinical trial of a new vaccine designed to protect against mpox has reported encouraging early results. The study tested an mRNA-based candidate vaccine called BNT166a in healthy adult volunteers. Researchers found that the vaccine was generally safe and well tolerated. Crucially, the vaccine also triggered a strong immune response, producing antibodies capable of recognising and fighting the virus. These responses were seen across all dose levels and in both peopl

University Hospital Southampton (UHS) has joined the first clinical trial of a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine developed in response to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bundibugyo ebolavirus causes a severe illness that can be fatal in up to half of people who become infected. There are currently no approved vaccines specifically for this species of Ebola. This makes the development and testing of new vaccines an important global health priority. The vac

The world-first trial of a fridge-free tetanus-diphtheria vaccine has produced encouraging results. Around half of vaccines are wasted globally each year, according to the World Health Organization. Millions of vaccine doses are lost because of temperature changes during storage and transport. Fridge-free vaccines have the potential to transform vaccine delivery by reducing this dependence on refrigeration. This would improve access in more isolated communities. It would also

Research leaders are thanking thousands of people whose participation in health research this past year has helped change lives and shape future care. New figures show that over 15,000 people took part in around 400 studies last year managed by University Hospital Southampton (UHS). The data is part of a wider report published by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). This shows that, across Hampshire, more than 38,000 participants took part in health and

A new ‘universal’ coronavirus vaccine trialled at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) could protect against viruses yet to emerge. Experts say this could potentially save millions of lives and avoid costly lockdowns. The study took place at the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility (CRF) and the NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility. It was sponsored by UHS. Creating a 'super antigen' The vaccine was developed by a team at the University of Cambridge and spin-out

Researchers have worked out how girls’ sweating patterns change as they grow, showing age 14 is a critical turning point. A team from the University of Southampton measured girls’ sweating habits across different age groups. Their findings can inform better sportswear designs for teenagers, and be used to encourage more teenage girls to take part in sport. The study is the first to establish how sweating changes across the body as girls mature. It pinpoints age 14 as the poin

A retired builder says he hopes taking part in a clinical trial at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) could help find a treatment for others living with his rare neurological condition. David Booth was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) three years ago. It is a rare and incurable condition that affects around 3,000 people in the UK. He was the first person in the UK to join an international clinical trial. The treatment being tested could potentially slow

A pioneering trial is testing whether exercising before heart surgery can help patients recover faster and improve long-term outcomes. The CardioFit trial is delivered through the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). It is supported by the Heartbeat charity. Patients with cancer are already routinely offered ‘prehabilitation’ at University Hospital Southampton (UHS). The hospital is now breaking new ground by investigating its impact on patients with heart condi

Deliberately infecting volunteers to test new whooping cough vaccines has been shown to be safe in research. A team at University Hospital Southampton has developed a safe method of ‘controlled human infection’, where volunteers are infected with whooping cough bacteria without causing any illness. This can be used to study the infection in detail and to help develop and test new and improved vaccines. The researchers have shown that the method was safe, even when volunteers

Researchers have delivered the UK’s first dose in a new trial using an investigational mRNA vaccine to protect people against potential influenza pandemics such as avian flu (also known as ‘bird flu’). The research will assess the safety and immune response of an investigational mRNA-based A(H5) pandemic influenza vaccine candidate, mRNA-1018, commonly circulating in birds, with pandemic potential. The study is supported by the National Insititute for Health and Care Research

Research is stepping out of hospitals and into the heart of our communities. This approach is helping to break down barriers, tackle health inequalities and ensure discoveries benefit everyone. Caroline Tiza is a Senior Engagement and Inclusion Manager at University Hospital Southampton (UHS). She shares insights from a recent community workshop in St Denys, Southampton. Embedding research inclusion in our workforce It is vital that we increase research awareness and inclus

Researchers at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) are leading a large study to reduce children’s overuse of reliever inhalers linked to severe asthma attacks. Children with asthma who use a high number of blue reliever inhalers are several times more likely to have severe asthma attacks, which can be life-threatening. The Prescription Alerts for Reliever Inhalers in Children (PARC) study is offering these children an enhanced check-up, led by a specialist nurse. The resea