Ov-FUS-1

Ov-FUS-1 is an investigational **recombinant fusion-protein vaccine** for prevention of onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, caused by the filarial parasite *Onchocerca volvulus*. It combines the parasite protein antigens Ov-103 and Ov-RAL-2 within a single molecular fusion construct. In mouse and cynomolgus macaque studies, adjuvanted Ov-FUS-1 induced antigen-specific IgG responses and durable protection against infective third-stage *O. volvulus* larvae; passive transfer experiments supported an antibody-mediated protective mechanism. The candidate remains in preclinical development, with work intended to support transition toward Phase 1 human testing. ([mdpi.com](https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/11/7/1212))