Unmet Need
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death globally. A vaccine to prevent TB has not been approved since the development of the BCG vaccine in the early 20th century. New treatment paradigms using small molecule antibiotics have led to cures in a large proportion of individuals with drug-susceptible TB. The course of treatment though is often months long and requires combinations of up to four potentially hepatotoxic drugs. Moreover, drug-resistant TB is an emerging crisis in many parts of the developing world. The coalescence of these factors necessitates new strategies to aid in the course of treatment for TB.
Technology Overview
The inventors have identified a DNA vaccine product that codes for an antigen within the stringent response pathway necessary for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) survival. The vaccine is designed to be used in the setting of treatment in order to bolster immune-mediated clearance of the bacteria. For this reason, the inventors have designed their vaccine to code for the Mtb RelB protein fused to CCL20 to promote uptake by antigen presenting cells. The inventors have shown evidence that their vaccine product elicits production of a number of TB-protective cytokines in various tissues. The goal of this regimen is to shorten the total treatment time to achieve relapse free cure and limit drug resistance due to non-compliance.
Stage of Development
The inventors have tested immunogenicity of their vaccine candidate in a mouse model, and plan to perform a challenge study to assess efficacy.
Patent
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Publications
