Published on
Monday, January 7, 2013
MinervaX
ApS has developed a vaccine that uses a single fusion protein to
trigger an immune response that could target more than 95% of Group B Streptococcus
strains. The preclinical candidate could provide greater protection than
other GBS vaccines in development and could reduce infection-related
complications in newborns.
According to CEO Per Fischer,
at any given time about 15-25% of women are spontaneously colonized with
different strains of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in their birth canal.
While it is harmless to the mother, colonization during pregnancy can lead to
life-threatening infections in newborns, such as meningitis or sepsis, as well
as in utero complications, including premature birth or stillbirth.