GlyProVac, Odense, Denmark
https://www.glyprovac.com/

GlyProVac is developing a maternal vaccine that targets Escherichia coli (E.coli), a bacterial species that causes a large portion of neonatal sepsis infections. Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening response to bloodstream infections that occurs in newborns fewer than 28 days old. The BARNARDS study estimated that 2.5 million neonates or infants in the first month of life die annually of sepsis, with the greatest burden in low- and middle-income countries. Since newborns at risk for neonatal sepsis are too young to be immunized, the vaccine would be given to expectant mothers.

The vaccine uses a selected bacterial protein, naturally decorated with small sugar molecules, to trigger an immune response for protection. This approach differs from previous attempts to develop protein-based bacterial vaccines since it involves specific natural sugar modifications previously undiscovered. GlyProVac’s vaccine, GPV02, uses BEMAP technology to imitate E. coli, thus preparing the immune system to recognize the bacteria when an infection occurs.

Current Development Stage: Hit-to-lead

CARB-X Investment: US$467k

Initial CARB-X Investment Date: October 1, 2023