Nairobi, Kenya — The International Vaccine Institute (IVI), in partnership with the KAVI–Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR) at the University of Nairobi, has officially launched a Phase 2 clinical trial of a novel cholera conjugate vaccine. This study is now actively recruiting adults and children from Nairobi City County to take part in what could be a significant advance in cholera prevention.

Cholera remains a persistent public health threat in Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in communities where access to safe water and sanitation is limited. The new vaccine candidate, a cholera conjugate vaccine, is designed to provide stronger, longer-lasting protection across age groups, including young children who bear a disproportionate burden of the disease.

About the Study

The Phase 2 trial will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity (immune response) of the vaccine in adults and children, including various dosing schedules and formulations, with or without an adjuvant. Researchers aim to enrol healthy volunteers in a carefully controlled, age-descending design to generate evidence to guide future use of the vaccine in cholera-endemic regions.

Participants will receive the investigational vaccine or comparator according to the study protocol, with strict ethical and safety standards guiding all volunteer involvement.

Voices from the Study Team

Professor Walter Jaoko, Principal Investigator of the trial and seasoned infectious disease researcher, shared his perspective on the launch:

“Today marks a significant milestone in our fight against cholera. By moving forward with this Phase 2 study, we are expanding the evidence base for a vaccine that could offer better, more durable protection, especially for the children and families most affected by this disease.”

Prof. Jaoko’s leadership reflects years of experience in vaccine research and clinical trials, including work on TB, RSV, HIV, and other necessary public health vaccines.

Dr. Marianne Mureithi, Director of KAVI-ICR, emphasised the partnership and community focus that underpin the trial:

“At KAVI-ICR, our mission is to conduct world-class clinical research that directly benefits our communities. This study — in collaboration with IVI and local partners — embodies that mission, bringing science and public health together to address a problem that affects some of our most vulnerable populations. We are grateful to volunteers who have stepped forward to be part of this effort.”

Why This Matters: Cholera outbreaks continue to challenge health systems, and while existing oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) have helped control disease in many settings, there are still gaps, especially in how well they protect young children. The cholera conjugate vaccine under study aims to address these gaps by potentially offering enhanced and longer-lasting immunity, which could be especially valuable in endemic areas.

Dr. Julia Lynch, Senior Director of IVI’s Cholera Program, said: “This Phase 2 study moves forward a cholera conjugate vaccine designed to provide stronger and longer-lasting protection, particularly for young children who are not as well protected by current oral cholera vaccines. By offering better protection across all ages and protection that lasts longer, this vaccine could reduce the need for repeated vaccination and help sustain population immunity. Advancing this vaccine is a key part of IVI’s broader cholera program to strengthen vaccine supply, improve existing and next-generation vaccines, and support countries in bringing cholera vaccines to the people who need them most.”

This Phase 2 clinical trial is funded by Coefficient Giving and the RIGHT Foundation.