CARB-X funds Immunethep to develop vaccine to prevent E. coli infections

The conjugated, peptide-based vaccine aims to deliver robust and long-lasting immunity

(BOSTON: February 25, 2025) – Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) will award US$2 million to Immunethep to develop a conjugated peptide-based vaccine to prevent infections from all invasive serotypes of Escherichia coli.

Immunethep will further work on its platform technology to develop an optimized formulation that is able to induce a robust and long-lasting immunity to E. coli. If successful, the vaccine would have broad spectrum capabilities in also preventing infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

There is no vaccine available for E. coli. Invasive E. coli infections pose a significant public health threat, as certain strains can spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, urinary system, and other organs, leading to serious and life-threatening conditions, including sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, and intra-abdominal infections. E. coli is one of the leading causes of bloodstream infections globally, particularly in healthcare settings. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic health conditions, are at greater risk for severe outcomes. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli further reduces treatment options, highlighting the urgent need for effective preventative measures and improved diagnostics to avert and manage these potentially deadly infections.

“Immunethep’s conjugated peptide-based vaccine for invasive E. coli infections represents a promising and innovative approach to address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance,” said Erin Duffy, PhD, R&D Chief of CARB-X. “This technology leverages a novel platform to induce robust, long-lasting immunity against E. coli and other dangerous pathogens, which could have broad implications for preventing serious infections in vulnerable populations. By supporting the development of this vaccine, we are advancing a potential solution that could help combat infections that are increasingly difficult to treat with antibiotics.”

“We are honoured to join the CARB-X portfolio and receive support for our mission to combat antimicrobial resistance through the development of next generation vaccines to prevent bacterial infections,” said Bruno Santos, CEO of Immunethep.

In March 2024, CARB-X launched a new funding solicitation to fill major R&D gaps in the global antibiotic development pipeline. More than 300 Expressions of Interest were accepted in four distinct product themes: therapeutics for infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens, prevention of invasive disease, diagnostics for neonatal sepsis, and proof-of-concept for novel sample types for diagnosing lower-respiratory tract infections. Additional projects are under review, and new awards will be announced later this year. Register for the CARB-X newsletter to learn about upcoming funding calls that will be announced in 2025.

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