CARB-X Awards $2.6 Million to AdJane for Gonorrhea Vaccine Development Using nOMV Platform
核心洞察
CARB-X (搜索) has awarded $2.6 million to AdJane (搜索) to advance development of a vaccine candidate targeting Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes over 80 million new infections annually.
AdJane (搜索)'s native Outer Membrane Vesicle (nOMV) platform uses a heterologous approach combining broad antigenic background with targeted gonococcal antigens to elicit broad-spectrum immunity.
The vaccine development addresses the critical challenge of rising antimicrobial resistance in gonorrhea treatment, as the bacteria does not induce durable natural immunity.
CARB-X (搜索) (Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator) has awarded $2.6 million to Netherlands-based AdJane (搜索) to advance development of a vaccine candidate targeting Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. The funding supports AdJane's innovative native Outer Membrane Vesicle (nOMV) platform technology in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in sexually transmitted infection prevention.
Addressing a Global Health Crisis
Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, one of the most commonly reported sexually transmitted bacterial infections responsible for over 80 million new infections annually worldwide. The disease presents significant clinical challenges, leading to severe complications including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and increased risk of HIV (搜索) transmission. Many infections remain undiagnosed due to asymptomatic presentation.
The pathogen's inability to induce durable natural immunity creates a cycle of frequent reinfections requiring repeated antibiotic courses. This pattern has contributed to escalating antimicrobial resistance, making clinical management increasingly complex.
"Clinical management of gonorrhea is becoming increasingly complex due to rising antimicrobial resistance and limited treatment options," said Richard Alm, interim Chief of R&D at CARB-X (搜索). "AdJane (搜索)'s approach represents a technically grounded strategy that aims to address key challenges in generating protective immunity to reduce the infection rate of gonorrhea and slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance."
Innovative Vaccine Platform Technology
AdJane (搜索)'s nOMV platform employs a heterologous approach that combines a broad, platform-driven antigenic background with targeted expression of multiple highly conserved gonococcal antigens. This strategy aims to elicit a targeted, broad-spectrum immune response to N. gonorrhoeae through a single component vaccine construct.
The platform builds on a completed Phase I clinical trial that demonstrated a favorable safety profile in humans. AdJane (搜索)'s technology has been scientifically developed over 30 years by leading Dutch governmental research institutions and enables rapid vaccine development through three distinct deployment modalities, supporting both prophylactic and therapeutic applications.
"We are delighted to join the CARB-X (搜索) portfolio and grateful for the support as we advance our vision to address antimicrobial resistance through our platform," said Anita Gashi, Managing Director of AdJane (搜索). "This award recognizes the potential of our next-generation nOMV platform to address global health challenges such as gonorrhea. Our heterologous approach enables the creation of a single component vaccine construct designed to deliver both broad and targeted immune protection, while supporting streamlined development and manufacturing."
CARB-X's Expanding Portfolio
This award represents a continuation of previous CARB-X (搜索) funding to support gonorrhea vaccine development. Since its founding in 2016, CARB-X has supported 123 R&D projects across 14 countries, with notable progress in advancing antimicrobial resistance solutions. Twenty-five projects have advanced into or completed clinical trials, 14 remain active in clinical development including late-stage trials, and three products have reached market.
At least 10 product developers with active R&D projects have secured advanced development partnerships to support clinical development beyond the CARB-X (搜索) portfolio. All CARB-X-funded developers are contractually obligated to develop Stewardship and Access Plans outlining strategies for responsible stewardship and appropriate access in low- and middle-income countries.
CARB-X (搜索) receives funding from multiple international sources including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Wellcome, the Gates Foundation, and various government agencies across multiple countries, reflecting the global commitment to addressing antimicrobial resistance challenges.