Can mRNA technology outsmart shingles? a new vaccine trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT05701800

First seen Aug 05, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests an experimental mRNA vaccine, mRNA-1468, to see if it can safely prevent shingles in healthy adults aged 50 and older. Participants receive either the new vaccine, a placebo, or an existing shingles vaccine (Shingrix) to compare safety and immune response. The study aims to find the right dose and assess how well the vaccine triggers the body's defenses against the virus that causes shingles.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
mRNA-1468, an experimental mRNA-based vaccine designed to prevent herpes zoster (shingles)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a new mRNA-based vaccine option for preventing shingles, potentially offering better protection or convenience compared to existing vaccines.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase trial, so the vaccine may not prove safe or effective. Possible side effects include injection-site reactions and systemic symptoms like fever or fatigue.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Centricity Research

    Columbus, Georgia, 31904, United States

  • Clinical Trials of Florida, LLC

    Miami, Florida, 33186, United States

  • DM Clinical Research

    Tomball, Texas, 77375, United States

  • DM Clinical Research - Philadelphia

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States

  • DM Clinical Research- River Forest

    River Forest, Illinois, 60305, United States

  • Florida Pulmonary Research Institute, LLC

    Winter Park, Florida, 32789, United States

  • Floridian Clinical Research

    Miami Lakes, Florida, 33016, United States

  • Gadolin Research

    Beaumont, Texas, 77702, United States

  • Great Lakes

    Chicago, Illinois, 60640, United States

  • Johnson County Clin-Trials (JCCT)

    Lenexa, Kansas, 66219, United States

  • LinQ Research, LLC

    Houston, Texas, 77087, United States

  • Meridian Clinical Research - Dakota Dunes

    Sioux City, Iowa, 51106, United States

  • Meridien Research

    Lakeland, Florida, 33805, United States

  • NOLA Research Works

    New Orleans, Louisiana, 70115, United States

  • Research Works San Juan

    San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico

  • Tekton Research

    Austin, Texas, 78745, United States

  • Tekton Research, Inc - Longmont Center

    Longmont, Colorado, 80501, United States

  • Velocity Clinical Research - Medford

    Medford, Oregon, 97504, United States

  • Velocity Clinical Research - Westlake

    Los Angeles, California, 90057, United States

  • WR-ClinSearch, LLC

    Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37421, United States

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