#USA #Boston #CARB-X #AdJane #Gonorrhea Vaccine

AdJane Receives $2.6 Million to Advance Gonorrhea Vaccine Development

In a significant advancement for public health, AdJane, a clinical-stage vaccine platform company based in the Netherlands, has been awarded $2.6 million by the Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X). This funding is aimed at enhancing the development of a vaccine intended to prevent infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae), the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial infections globally, with more than 80 million new cases reported each year. Despite its high incidence, many infections go undiagnosed, largely because they often present no symptoms. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to severe health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and an increased risk of HIV transmission. Current treatment options are becoming increasingly complex due to rising antimicrobial resistance, making the development of a preventative vaccine crucial.

AdJane’s nOMV (native Outer Membrane Vesicle) platform embodies a promising approach to tackle antimicrobial resistance and improve public health outcomes. This innovative vaccine platform has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in a completed Phase I clinical trial in humans. By leveraging a heterologous strategy, AdJane aims to combine a broad background of antigens with the targeted expression of highly conserved gonococcal antigens. This approach is designed to elicit a robust and targeted immune response specifically against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Richard Alm, interim Chief of RD at CARB-X, stated, “The clinical management of gonorrhea is becoming increasingly complex due to rising antibiotic resistance and limited treatment options. AdJane's approach represents a technically grounded strategy that aims to address these key challenges, reducing the rate of gonorrhea infections while combating antimicrobial resistance.”

Anita Gashi, Managing Director of AdJane, expressed gratitude for the support received from CARB-X, emphasizing the importance of their work in addressing global health challenges such as gonorrhea. “This award recognizes the potential of our next-generation nOMV platform to make significant strides against antimicrobial resistance. Our unique approach allows for the development of a single component vaccine that aims to provide both broad and targeted immune protection, streamlining the pathways for development and manufacturing,” she said.

The funding from CARB-X represents a continuation of a previous award given to AdJane for the development of a vaccine aimed at gonorrhea prevention. Since CARB-X's inception in 2016, the organization has made commendable progress by supporting 123 research and development projects across 14 countries. Out of these, 25 projects have reached or completed clinical trials, while 14 are still undergoing clinical development, indicative of CARB-X's commitment to combating antibiotic-resistant infections.

Beyond development, CARB-X-funded product developers are required to establish a Stewardship and Access Plan for their products, ensuring responsible access and use, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This requirement reflects the dedication of both CARB-X and its affiliates to promoting global health equity.

The funding awarded to AdJane is a substantial step towards realizing a powerful vaccine against gonorrhea, addressing both immediate public health needs and the longer-term challenge of antimicrobial resistance. As the research progresses, there is hope that this innovative approach will pave the way for effective prevention strategies that could significantly reduce the incidence of gonorrhea and improve public health outcomes worldwide.

About CARB-X

CARB-X is a global non-profit partnership committed to supporting early-stage antibacterial research and development. As a leader in this field, CARB-X focuses on combating drug-resistant bacteria by funding innovative therapeutics, preventative measures, and rapid diagnostics. The organization is primarily funded by a consortium of governments and foundations, demonstrating a collective effort to tackle one of the most pressing health issues in modern medicine.

About AdJane

AdJane is a clinical-stage vaccine company leading the charge against global health challenges through its proprietary nOMV platform. With a legacy of scientific development spanning over three decades, AdJane is poised to revolutionize vaccine development, addressing urgent needs in pandemic preparedness and antimicrobial resistance. For more information about AdJane and its initiatives, visit AdJane's Website.