A 'needle-free' vaccine against group A streptococcus bacterium (Strep A) is being developed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in partnership with the GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health.
In a paper published in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics this month, it was mentioned that a vaccine which could be administered in the nose or under the tongue is a step closer to reality.
The vaccine uses Generalised Modules for Membrane Antigens (GMMA) which are tiny bubbles naturally shed from bacteria, as both a carrier for the Strep A carbohydrate and an adjuvant to boost the immune response.
Unlike most vaccine approaches, which focus primarily on generating antibodies in the bloodstream, this research targets immunity at mucosal surfaces of the nose and throat, where Strep A establishes infection, while also inducing broader systemic immune response.
The findings support the further development of affordable, easily administered mucosal vaccines that could improve access to immunisation.
This project forms part of the MHRA’s wider programme of research into vaccine science, immunology, assay development and novel vaccine delivery technologies.
There is currently no licensed vaccine for Strep A, though it affects hundreds of millions globally.
Although most Strep infections are mild, serious complications can lead to long-term disability or death, particularly in low-and middle-income countries.
It is estimated that there are over 600 million Strep A infections worldwide each year with associated complications responsible for over 500,000 deaths.
