UK’s first-ever norovirus mRNA vaccine trial launched in Wales

Wales' Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Frank Atherton, has hailed the vital role that Welsh researchers and participants are playing in a groundbreaking new clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new mRNA norovirus vaccine.

The first Phase 3 randomised clinical trial, called Nova 301, will take place at 27 primary and secondary NHS sites, including Cardiff and Vale and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Boards, and aims to recruit 2,500 participants in the UK between late October and early 2025.

The trial, sponsored by Moderna, is evaluating the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of an investigational norovirus vaccine, mRNA-1403. There are currently no licensed norovirus vaccines in use anywhere in the world.

Professor Atherton said: “Together with our partners in industry and across the NHS, Wales is proud to play its part in this exciting new flagship study to find a vaccine against Norovirus. 

“Using our ‘One Wales’ approach, we have the ability to set up and deliver clinical trials at scale and at pace, ensuring that our communities are able to contribute in a way that really adds value.” 

Find out more about the trial.

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