25-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccine Candidate For Children Proceeds in Phase 2

Inventprise Inc. today announced the completion of vaccination in their Phase 2 dose-ranging study of its 25-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (IVT PCV-25) in young adults.

On January 2, 2023, the company stated that this Phase 2 study is essential in developing an affordable, expanded-coverage pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). This vaccine candidate is designed to help prevent pneumococcal disease caused by serotypes not covered in the current PCVs.

“PCVs are the world’s most complex vaccines, and increasing the number of serotypes (25) and manufacturing capacity has been challenging since conjugate vaccines were first developed,” commented Yves Leurquin, President & CEO of Inventprise, in a press release.

As of 2024, several approved PCVs and vaccine candidates are conducting research. However, some do not include critical disease-causing serotypes.

“This study was designed to evaluate safety and antibody responses following single doses of three different formulations of IVT PCV-25 in young adults to pave the way for future studies in infants and older adults. In Canada, as well as elsewhere in the world, there continues to be significant rates of disease due to serotypes not covered in licensed vaccines so we are very interested in the potential for broader coverage,” says Dr. Joanne Langley, the study’s principal investigator at the Canadian Center for Vaccinology.

As a leading cause of deadly childhood pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, and debilitating middle-ear infections, the pneumococcus bacterium is responsible for an estimated 300,000 deaths per year in children less than five years of age worldwide.

Inventprise is producing the IVT PCV-25 vaccine at its automated manufacturing facilities in Washington State. Funding for the development of IVT PCV-25 has been achieved with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.