Development of a PorA/FetA meningococcal vaccine for broad protection against meningococcal disease: progression from pre-clinical studies to Phase I clinical trials in humans. (360G-Wellcome-091634_Z_10_Z)

£985,100

In the UK, Neisseria meningitidis expressing the serogroup B capsule (MenB), causes 1500-2500 cases of invasive infection each year and is the leading infectious cause of death in childhood. Unfortunately, the serogroup B capsule is poorly immunogenic in humans due to its similarity with human antigens. Vaccine development has therefore focussed on subcapsular surface antigens, but has been hampered by their variability. We have found that expression of meningococcal surface proteins (including PorA and FetA), is highly structured, such that a limited repertoire of these proteins are associated with each of the hyper-invasive genotypes of meningococci. This provides the potential for prevention of MenB disease with a multivalent FetA/PorA vaccine which we have been developing since September 2007 supported by a Wellcome Trust Translation award. FetA is only expressed under iron-restricted conditions so a constitutively expressing strain has been constructed from which an outer membrane vesicle is being manufactured in Norway for a phase I study to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of this vaccine as the proof of concept in humans. This submission for additional funding is requested to widen the scope of supporting epidemiological data, to cover an increase in costs of manufacturing, and strengthen the preclinical data that will underpin the potential utility of the vaccine.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 985100
Applicant Surname Pollard
Approval Committee Innovations Strategy Panel
Award Date 2010-01-22T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2009/10
Grant Programme: Title Strategic Translation Award
Internal ID 091634/Z/10/Z
Lead Applicant Prof Andrew Pollard
Other Applicant(s) Dr Ian Feavers, Prof Jeremy Derrick, Prof Martin Maiden
Partnership Value 985100
Planned Dates: End Date 2014-11-30T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2010-09-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region South East