GONORRHEA VACCINE
OMV vaccine aims to prevent Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections

Intravacc is developing a vaccine to prevent Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterial infections.

The Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium causes gonorrhea, the second most reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). Approximately 82 million adults were infected in 2020 globally. Patients with gonorrhea can face serious health effects, including pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pain, infertility, and an increased risk of contracting HIV. If left untreated, gonorrhea can spread to the bloodstream, which can be fatal.

Intravacc is developing a meningococcal outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccine that carries several important gonococcal antigens aimed to prevent infections by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococci). Through the tailored gonococcal antigens on the surface of the meningococcal OMV, Intravacc anticipates a significant enhancement in the vaccine candidate’s efficacy against gonorrhea.

Resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae have evaded all but one antibiotic (ceftriaxone). If successful, Intravacc’s vaccine could prevent the disease, and significantly curb the spread of resistant bacteria across the globe.

Current Development Stage: Hit-to-lead

CARB-X Investment: US$633k

Initial CARB-X Investment Date: January 16, 2024