Oropouche virus research and development roadmap

Overview

Since 2023, Oropouche disease has shown a sharp rise in cases and expanded geographical spread, accompanied by reports of neurological complications, deaths, and adverse pregnancy outcomes – indicating possible changes in the virus’s pathogenicity and underscoring the need for urgent research.

In response, following its 2024 Pathogens Prioritization Framework, WHO’s R&D Blueprint Team launched the Collaborative Open Research Consortiums (CORCs) to promote coordinated global research on priority pathogen families. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) leads the CORC on bunyaviruses, including Oropouche virus.

A global expert meeting in February 2025 identified research priorities and initiated the drafting of an R&D roadmap through a modified Delphi process. The Roadmap outlines key knowledge gaps across four themes: vector research, virology and pathogenesis, serology and diagnostics, and animal models, vaccines and therapeutics supported by an evidence gap map developed by UKHSA.

The CORC has collectively identified 12 R&D priorities within these thematic areas.