Where is the Horizon trial being conducted?

The Horizon trial is being led by the University of Edinburgh and sponsored by Moderna, with up to 10 sites across the UK participating.

Home / Health / mRNA Vaccine Trial Targets Epstein-Barr Virus to Treat Multiple Sclerosis

mRNA Vaccine Trial Targets Epstein-Barr Virus to Treat Multiple Sclerosis

Q: What is the Horizon trial investigating?

The Horizon trial is investigating whether an mRNA vaccine targeting the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) could provide a novel treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS).

Q: How does the mRNA vaccine work?

The mRNA vaccine aims to train the immune system to maintain suppression of the EBV virus, which remains dormant in the body for life but can reactivate.

18 Nov

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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

mRNA Vaccine Trial Targets Epstein-Barr Virus to Treat Multiple Sclerosis

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.