Home / Health / mRNA Vaccine Trial Targets Epstein-Barr Virus to Treat Multiple Sclerosis
mRNA Vaccine Trial Targets Epstein-Barr Virus to Treat Multiple Sclerosis
18 Nov
Summary
- Groundbreaking trial to test mRNA vaccine targeting Epstein-Barr virus for multiple sclerosis
- EBV believed to play significant role in development of multiple sclerosis
- Vaccine aims to train immune system to suppress EBV and prevent MS disease activity
As of November 18th, 2025, a groundbreaking new clinical trial is set to investigate whether an mRNA vaccine targeting the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) could provide a novel treatment pathway for multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers are exploring this avenue given that EBV, commonly known for causing glandular fever, is present in almost all individuals with MS and is believed to play a significant role in the condition's development.
The early-stage Phase 2 trial will specifically examine how the investigational mRNA vaccine impacts new MS disease activity. The vaccine functions by training the immune system to maintain suppression of the EBV virus, which remains dormant in the body for life but can reactivate. Beyond treatment, researchers are also considering whether widespread vaccination against EBV could eventually contribute to preventing MS, though further study is required.
The trial, led by the University of Edinburgh and sponsored by Moderna, will recruit 180 patients recently diagnosed with MS who have EBV. Up to 10 sites across the UK will participate in the new Horizon trial, which aims to teach the body how to make a specific protein that the immune system can then "remember" to help prevent EBV from activating and spreading to other cells.
