Research Roundup: Maternal vaccine prevents sepsis, Chikungunya vaccine recommended, Long-lasting immunity of COVID-19 vaccines

TOP NEWS IN R&D

CARB-X funds GlyProVac to develop a novel vaccine to prevent sepsis in newborns? CARB-X press release (2/29)

The Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) this week announced $467,000 in funding to GlyProVac to develop a maternal vaccine that targets?Escherichia coli, the bacteria mainly responsible for neonatal sepsis, which is the leading cause of death among infants and a particular challenge in low- and middle-income countries. The funding will specifically support the development of the vaccine candidate GPV02, which offers protection to newborns through the antibodies passed on by vaccinated expectant mothers in utero and through breast milk after birth. GPV02 uses a unique approach compared to other attempted protein-based bacterial vaccines because it involves previously undiscovered natural sugar modifications and uses BEMAP technology to allow the vaccine to imitate?E. coli, preparing the immune system to recognize the bacterium in the case of future infection.

Chikungunya vaccine approved for select groups by CDC advisory panel STAT (2/28), features Valneva

Last week, the Advisory Group on Immunization Practices at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended Valneva’s Ixchiq chikungunya vaccine for some travelers and laboratory researchers at risk of contracting the mosquito-borne virus. The United States records about 100 to 200 chikungunya cases a year in people infected abroad by the virus, which is mainly found in parts of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. The vaccine was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration last fall for adults—the first vaccine approved for chikungunya. CDC has indicated that it may later expand the recommendation for people living in US territories where the virus may spread.

Long-term data reveals SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine-induced antibody responses are long-lasting Science Daily (2/26)

A new extensive, long-term analysis from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found that COVID-19 vaccines induce long-lasting antibody responses, debunking previous claims that mRNA-based vaccine immunity wanes quickly. The researchers examined in over 8,000 samples collected over three years in New York City how antibody responses changed after infections, during the first series of vaccinations, during booster vaccinations, and during breakthrough infections. They concluded that the major reason for breakthrough infections is the virus evolving to evade immunity rather than waning immunity. The results will, hopefully, not only encourage people to continue to get vaccine boosters but also to continue research into new vaccines and viral variants.

NEWS FROM GHTC

Puzzling skin side effects stymie advance of promising HIV vaccine Science?(3/1), features IAVI

SA company set to manufacture HIV prevention ring Spotlight (2/29), features Population Council

This ‘super gonorrhoea’ drug holds a lesson for avoiding microbial armageddon Nature?(2/28), features CARB-X, the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative and the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership

Opinion: Efforts against flu show developing nations can make vaccines? Think Global Health?(2/27), features PATH

IVI to open Africa regional office in Rwanda International Vaccine Institute (IVI) press release (2/27)

IAVI and WomenLift Health announce partnership to promote women’s leadership in global health IAVI press release (2/27)

CARB-X funds LimmaTech Biologics AG to develop a vaccine that prevents gonorrhea infections CARB-X (2/27)

Ensuring country readiness for access to a new paediatric treatment option for schistosomiasis UNDP news article (2/27), features the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund and PATH

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK

WHO shares details of 2 fatal Nipah cases in Bangladesh CIDRAP?(3/1)

Is the snake that just bit you deadly? Venom ‘pregnancy test’ could tell Science?(2/29)

European data highlight resistance in zoonotic, indicator bacteria CIDRAP (2/29)

Pursuing a cure: Strategies and challenges in targeting the HIV tissue reservoir Physician's Weekly?(2/29)

NIH RADx program awards autonomous medical devices incorporated $5.2m in Phase 2 funding 360Dx?(2/28)

Gepotidacin meets efficacy goal in phase 3 trial for uncomplicated gonorrhea CIDRAP?(2/28)

International panel calls for tighter oversight of risky pathogen studies Science?(2/28)

Japan's Takeda in regulatory talks to launch dengue vaccine in India Reuters?(2/27)

The WHO's push for global mRNA vaccine access Think Global Health?(2/26)

Brazil tries new vaccine as ‘exponential’ rise in dengue cases plagues the Americas Health Policy Watch?(2/26)

Reduced-dose vaccines protect patients with HIV against mpox Medscape?(2/26)

Startup uses AI to develop vaccines for future pandemics Axios?(2/26)

FDA approves expanded indication for HIV therapy ContagionLive?(2/26)

COVID-19 R&D ROUNDUP

Despite sensational reports, COVID-19 vaccine safety outweighs risks Health Policy Watch?(2/29)

Monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccine shows 51% protection against COVID hospitalization CIDRAP?(2/29)

CDC advisory panel says people 65 and older should get a Covid spring booster shot STAT?(2/28)

Antiplatelet therapy linked to less severe COVID outcomes CIDRAP (2/28)

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 4-6 Community Breakfast Club sessions at CROI 2024 Virtual

March 26 Decolonizing global public health webinar Virtual

May 24 WHA side event on medicines for children Geneva, Switzerland

Interested in more global health innovation news? Every week GHTC scours media reports worldwide to deliver essential global health R&D news and content to your inbox.?Subscribe to receive our weekly?R&D News Roundup.