Developing a maternal vaccine against
Group B Streptococcus
Our Focus
MinervaX is pursuing the development of a maternal vaccine for the prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes and life-threating infections caused by Group B streptococcus (GBS). The vaccine is based on adjuvanted proteins antigens covering close to 100% of clinical GBS isolates.
What is GBS?
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common commensal colonizing some 20% of pregnant women. GBS colonization may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes and is the leading cause of life-threatening infections in newborn babies during the first 3 months of life. It is estimated to be responsible for some 320,000 cases of neonatal invasive disease, 60,000 stillbirths, 3,500,000 preterm deliveries, and 10,000 babies suffering from long-term neurological damage annually world-wide.
The National Institute of Health of the US has identified prevention of GBS in newborns as a major vaccine objective, but so far no approved or universally useful vaccine exists. Current intervention involves the use of vast quantities of prophylactic antibiotics given to birthing women, which has resulted in the emergence of wide-spread antibiotic resistance and may impact neonatal development.
A general vaccine effective against relevant strains of GBS is poised to have both a great medical and pharmacoeconomical impact if administered universally to pregnant women.
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Prevention of Group B Streptococcal infections in newborns represents a large unmet medical need.
MinervaX Commences First Phase 1 Clinical Study of Novel GBS Vaccine in Older Adults
Expands development of novel GBS vaccine in older adult population Targeting significant and growing unmet medical need of GBS infection Copenhagen, Denmark, 17 April 2023 –...
MinervaX appoints Lidia Oostvogels as Chief Medical Officer and provides clinical and regulatory update on its novel GBS vaccine
Newly appointed CMO with more than 25 years’ experience in vaccine development Fast Track status granted by US Food and Drug Administration Completion of enrolment of its 2nd...
MinervaX announces 72M EUR financing to advance development of novel vaccine against Group B Streptococcus
Financing from new investors Trill Impact Ventures and Pureos Bioventures as well as existing investors Backing from European Investment Bank Planning for Phase 3 clinical...