Continuing development of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies against Zika virus

Abstract

The 2016 Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic catalyzed a global effort to develop diagnostic tests, vaccines, and therapeutic treatments. However, the rapid waning epidemiology of ZIKV stalled many countermeasure development efforts. On January 31 and February 1, 2023, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) hosted “Continuing Development of Vaccines and Monoclonal Antibodies Against Zika Virus,” a workshop of assembled experts from multiple fields and sectors to review the latest ZIKV research findings and develop recommendations for advancing vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. This report describes the workshop proceedings and summarizes the key challenges and major recommendations identified at the workshop. While the current incidence and testing for ZIKV are low globally, ZIKV has not disappeared, and future large-scale outbreaks are possible. Developing an effective vaccine and monoclonal antibody treatment is still a public health priority, especially for persons who can become pregnant and who live or travel in ZIKV-endemic regions.