SHIGETECVAX is developing a novel oral vaccine against two closely related bacteria that are leading causes of diarrhoea. Based on antigens not targeted in previous vaccines, it is much safer, enabling higher doses. Potentially more effective against both pathogens, this vaccine could save millions of lives.
Although vaccination is an effective way to reduce the huge disease burden associated with diarrhoea caused by enteric pathogens, many attempts to develop vaccines for shigellosis and ETEC infections have failed and a number of current approaches are too complex and costly to provide an adequate solution for LMICs. This Consortium is dedicated to advancing a radically new approach against Shigella and ETEC. Instead of targeting the immunodominant, but highly variable Shigella LPS O-antigen, elimination of this antigen in this vaccine candidate allows for the immune recognition of minor and highly conserved antigens that are shared among different types of Shigella and ETEC.