The evaluation of novel GBS conjugates prepared from GBS capsular polysaccharides and GBS conserved surface proteins

The GBS Vaccine Development Project at Biovac is a dual-focussed program with the aims to develop conjugate vaccines for maternal immunization to prevent GBS infections in newborns, while advancing vaccine development and manufacturing capability in Africa.

The secondary aim of the project is equally important given that (1) less than 1% of vaccines consumed in Africa are made in Africa, and (2) the absence of any vaccine product development over the last few decades in Africa.

The funding being requested will be used to confirm that a GBS conjugate vaccine using GBS surface proteins as carrier proteins is possible and immunogenic in animals.

This important achievement will form the basis of moving the project into human clinical testing with the aim of demonstrating superior immunogenicity.

Ultimately, we would want to produce a vaccine that generates cross-protection against serotypes not included in the vaccine, leading to a simpler and more cost-effective product offering broader protection against most (if not all) circulating GBS serotypes.