Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1692 - Could an EBV Vaccine Help Prevent Multiple Sclerosis?

Could preventing the virus behind the “kissing disease” someday help prevent multiple sclerosis? Brian Crombie is joined by vaccine researcher Dr. Craig LaFerriere for a fascinating look at Epstein-Barr virus, vaccine development, biotechnology, and the extraordinary journey from scientific discovery to a potential new medicine. 🦠 EBV & Multiple Sclerosis — Why does a virus carried by most adults have such a strong association with MS? 💉 The Search for an EBV Vaccine — How are researchers trying to prevent EBV from establishing infection, and could a vaccine potentially reduce the risk of future disease? 💊 Why an Oral Vaccine? — Could delivering a vaccine through the mouth offer unique advantages for generating immunity? 💰 The $100-Million Challenge — Why can taking a promising vaccine from the laboratory through clinical trials require tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars? ⚕️ Vaccines, Risk & Public Trust — How should we balance the enormous benefits of vaccines with honest discussions about risk, uncertainty, and public confidence in science? The bigger question is profound: What if one day we could prevent a disease like MS rather than simply treat it after it develops?