GlaxoSmithKline, Siena, Italy
https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/inside-the-gvgh/

GSK Strep A
VACCINE
Prevention of Group A Streptococcus

The GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health (GVGH) is developing a new vaccine for the prevention of Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infections, commonly known as Strep Throat, a major reason for antibiotic prescriptions and cause of immune-mediated diseases. Most healthy people who become infected with Strep A bacteria develop nothing more than Strep Throat (pharyngitis), an infection and inflammation of the pharynx, the membrane-lined cavity at the back of the throat. Yet Strep A can pose a more serious health threat, particularly to people with weakened immune systems, when the bacteria invade the bloodstream or deeper tissues to produce severe infections, such as sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease), and toxic shock syndrome. Strep A also can trigger post-infectious immune-mediated rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a leading cause of death in the developing world. Up to 20,000 cases of invasive Strep A disease occur each year, according to US figures, from which more than 1,250 people die. Globally, Strep A has been reported to cause more than 500,000 annual deaths, of which 319,000 are due to RHD, mostly in populations from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The GSK vaccine aims to reduce the incidence and severity of Strep A infections and in doing so, reduce the global burden of associated autoimmune sequelae and RHD, as well as associated antibiotic prescriptions, which contribute to increased resistance.

Current Development Stage: Phase 1

CARB-X Investment: Initial investment of up to $8.2m, with potential option payments up to $4.2m.

Initial CARB-X Investment Date: October 1, 2020