Ongoing Clinical Trials for Measles
Currently, there are 4 clinical trials investigating different aspects of measles vaccination, ranging from immune response studies in children with cancer to new vaccination methods. These trials are taking place across Europe, including Denmark, Latvia, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden.
Clinical trial locations
- Denmark
- Latvia
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Sweden
Study on Immunity to Measles and Chickenpox in Children with Cancer Using Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Vaccines
This study focuses on children and adolescents aged 0-18 years who have been treated for cancer. The trial examines how well young cancer survivors can rebuild their immunity against measles and chickenpox after completing cancer treatment.
Who can participate: Children must be starting cancer treatment or have completed it, with a known vaccination history for measles and chickenpox before treatment began. Female participants who have started menstruating must use effective birth control and have negative pregnancy tests at vaccination. Parents or guardians must provide signed consent after receiving detailed information about the study.
Who cannot participate: Children who have not completed cancer treatment or reached stable health afterward are not eligible. Those with known allergies to the vaccines, weakened immune systems, or who are currently taking immune-suppressing medications like steroids cannot join. Recent blood transfusions or other serious health conditions may also prevent participation.
What the study involves: The trial measures antibody levels in participants’ blood before and after revaccination with measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines. The goal is to determine whether the vaccines effectively restore immune protection in children whose immune systems were affected by cancer treatment. Researchers will compare responses across different cancer types, treatment intensities, and age groups. The study is expected to continue until 2028.
Vaccines being tested: The study uses both the varicella vaccine for chickenpox protection and the measles vaccine, administered as intramuscular injections to help rebuild immunity in young cancer survivors.
Study on Early Measles Immunization with MMR-0 Vaccine for Infants Under 12 Months During a Measles Outbreak
This trial investigates whether giving the measles vaccine earlier than usual can protect infants during an outbreak. Normally, children receive their first measles vaccination at around 12-14 months, but this study examines giving it to younger infants when there is an active outbreak in the community.
Who can participate: Healthy infants who are eligible for early measles vaccination during an outbreak, or who received it within the past 4 weeks, can join. Infants must be willing to receive the standard MMR-1 vaccination at 14 months of age. Parents or legal representatives must provide signed informed consent after receiving information about the study.
Who cannot participate: Infants who are not healthy, those not in a measles outbreak area, or those older than 12 months cannot participate. The vaccine must be given as a preventive measure against measles infection, not for other purposes.
What the study involves: Infants receive the MMR-0 vaccine as an intramuscular injection. Researchers measure measles antibody levels in the blood four weeks after vaccination, before the MMR-1 dose at 14 months, four weeks after MMR-1, and one year later. This helps assess both immediate and long-term immune responses to early vaccination compared to the standard schedule.
Vaccine being tested: The MMR-0 vaccine, which contains the M-M-RvaxPro formulation, is designed to provide early protection against measles, mumps, and rubella when given to infants younger than the standard vaccination age.
Study on Immune Response and Safety of Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Vaccine in Healthy Children Aged 4 to 6 Years
This trial compares a new combination vaccine against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella with the existing ProQuad vaccine in healthy children. The study aims to ensure the new vaccine is both safe and effective.
Who can participate: Healthy children between 4 and 6 years old who received their first varicella vaccine and a single MMR vaccine during their second year of life can join. Parents or legal guardians must provide written informed consent, and children will be asked for their agreement according to local regulations. Families must be willing and able to complete electronic diaries and attend follow-up visits.
Who cannot participate: Children with serious health conditions, weakened immune systems, or histories of severe allergic reactions to vaccines are not eligible. Pregnant or breastfeeding participants, those who recently received other vaccines, and those taking immune-suppressing medications cannot join. Children with poorly controlled chronic illnesses, substance abuse histories, or recent participation in other clinical trials are also excluded.
What the study involves: Children receive either the new MMRVNS vaccine or the existing MMRV vaccine as a single injection under the skin. Parents monitor their child for reactions during the first 4 days and any symptoms over 43 days. A follow-up visit around day 43 measures antibody levels in the blood. The study continues monitoring until day 181 to ensure safety and assess the immune response.
Vaccines being tested: The new MMRVNS vaccine is compared against the existing MMRV combination vaccine. Both protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella, helping the immune system recognize and fight these viruses if exposed in the future.
Study on the Effectiveness of Skin Patch Vaccination with Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine in Healthy Volunteers
This trial explores a new way of giving the MMR vaccine by applying it directly to the skin rather than injecting it under the skin. The study aims to determine whether this method, called epicutaneous vaccination, can produce similar immune protection.
Who can participate: Healthy adults between 18 and 34 years old who have never received the MMR vaccine before can join. Female participants must use reliable contraception during the study.
Who cannot participate: People with severe allergies to any MMR vaccine component, weakened immune systems, or who are pregnant cannot participate. Those who received another vaccine within the past 4 weeks, have a current fever or illness, or are taking immune-affecting medications like steroids are not eligible. Individuals with blood disorders, recent blood transfusions within 3 months, or participation in another trial within 30 days are also excluded.
What the study involves: Participants receive the M-M-RvaxPro vaccine either as a traditional injection under the skin or through the new skin patch method. After vaccination, participants are monitored for 30 days for any side effects. Three months later, researchers assess the immune response by measuring antibody levels in nasal secretions, blood samples, and possibly tonsil brushings. The study compares whether the skin patch method generates similar protective antibodies to the standard injection.
Vaccine being tested: The standard MMR vaccine is being administered through an innovative epicutaneous method to see if applying it to the skin can effectively trigger immune responses in the respiratory system, particularly producing IgA antibodies that protect against infections in the nose and throat.
Summary
The four ongoing clinical trials for measles represent diverse approaches to vaccination across different age groups and circumstances. The studies span five European countries, with Denmark, Latvia, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden each hosting research sites.
A notable focus is on vulnerable populations, including infants during outbreak situations and children who have undergone cancer treatment. Two trials specifically examine combination vaccines that protect against multiple diseases simultaneously, reflecting current trends in vaccination strategies to reduce the number of injections needed.
The Danish trial stands out for exploring an entirely new administration method through skin patches rather than traditional injections, which could potentially make vaccination more accessible and easier to administer in the future. Meanwhile, the Swedish study addresses the important question of how to restore immune protection in children whose immune systems have been compromised by cancer treatment.
All studies emphasize measuring immune responses through antibody levels in the blood, helping researchers understand not just whether vaccines work, but how well they work in different populations and circumstances.
