GSK Licenses Shigella Vaccine to Bharat Biotech, Advancing Global Health Efforts

In a significant move for global health, GSK has announced the licensing of its shigella vaccine candidate to India-based Bharat Biotech. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the development and distribution of a much-needed vaccine for a pathogen that disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries.

A Critical Transfer in Vaccine Development

GSK's shigella vaccine candidate, altSonflex1-2-3, has shown promising results in early clinical trials. The vaccine met GSK's immunogenicity success criteria in Phase 1 and interim Phase 2 studies. Despite this progress, GSK has opted to transfer the vaccine's further development to Bharat Biotech, citing the Indian company's expertise in vaccine development and distribution in key markets.

Thomas Breuer, chief global health officer at GSK, praised Bharat Biotech's capabilities, stating, "Their expertise in developing and supplying vaccines for infectious diseases, especially as a trusted supplier to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF, positions them to further advance this important work."

Addressing a Significant Global Health Threat

Shigella bacteria remain a leading cause of death from diarrhea, particularly affecting children under 5 years of age in low- and middle-income countries. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains has heightened the urgency for an effective vaccine. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of children die annually due to shigella infections, underscoring the potential impact of a successful vaccine.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans

As part of the agreement, GSK will continue to play a supportive role in the vaccine's development. The company has committed to assisting Bharat Biotech with the design of the Phase 3 trial and will support fundraising efforts for further development. This collaboration model mirrors GSK's approach with its malaria vaccine, RTS,S, which was licensed to Bharat Biotech in 2021.

The vaccine's development leverages GMMA (Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens) technology, a platform that repurposes bacterial vesicles to deliver antigens. This innovative approach could significantly reduce production costs, with one study suggesting that a 500L fermenter could produce 100 million doses annually at a cost of $1 per dose.

As Bharat Biotech takes the reins of this promising vaccine candidate, the pharmaceutical industry watches closely. The successful development and distribution of a shigella vaccine could mark a significant milestone in combating a persistent global health challenge, potentially saving thousands of lives in vulnerable populations worldwide.