Positive results in proof-of-concept study to develop a vaccine against Streptococcus suis infection in pigs
Stockholm, April 25, 2022 - Intervacc AB (publ) announces positive results from a proof-of-concept study where piglets from vaccinated sows were protected against experimental challenge with Streptococcus suis.
The study showed that piglets from sows that had been vaccinated with a prototype fusion protein vaccine had significantly fewer clinical signs of disease compared to piglets from sows that received a placebo, adjuvant-only, vaccine following challenge with a virulent strain of Streptococcus suis at 4 or 7 weeks of age.
“This proof-of-concept study provides a solid foundation upon which to develop a new vaccine against this devastating disease” says Dr. Andrew Waller, Chief Scientific Officer at Intervacc. “In particular, we believe that the significant levels of protection provided to piglets at 7 weeks of age against a high dose of S. suis after the vaccination of pregnant sows is novel and encouraging. These data underline the strengths of our technology platform, which uses recombinant fusion proteins to generate broad immune responses that target multiple virulence pathways required by complex bacterial pathogens”.
Currently there are no commercial vaccines available that protect piglets from disease caused by Streptococcus suis. By fusing several important proteins of Streptococcus suis together, it is anticipated that the prototype vaccine will provide protection against a wide range of strain types, helping farmers to reduce the impact of this disease on the health of their animals and the cost to their business. The prototype vaccine was administered to pregnant sows by intramuscular injection making it simple and cost-effective.
“Streptococcus suis infections are a major problem to pig industries around the world causing septicaemia, meningitis and arthritis in piglets. An effective vaccine would improve the health of piglets and decrease the need to use antibiotics. Our aim is to significantly reduce the mortality rate among piglets during a time period where they are extremely vulnerable to infections”, comments Andreas Andersson, Chief Executive Officer of Intervacc. “Next steps are to show protection provided by this prototype vaccine against other strains of S. suis following experimental challenge and natural exposure in the field”.
The proof-of-concept study was conducted at Moredun Scientific and has received funding from a European Commission grant through the Eurostars 2 programme, which is part of Horizon 2020.
For more information please contact:
Andreas Andersson, CEO
Phone: +46-8-120 10 601, cell +46-73-335 99 70
E-mail: andreas.andersson@intervacc.com
This information is information that Intervacc AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above on April 25, 2022.
About Intervacc
Intervacc AB is a Swedish company within animal health developing safe, effective vaccines for animals. The Company's vaccine candidates are based on several years of research at Karolinska Institutet and Swedish University of Agricultural Research where the foundation was laid for the Company´s research and development work. The Intervacc share has been listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market since April 2017 with Eminova Fondkommission AB, adviser@eminova.se, +46 (0)8–684 211 10 as Certified Adviser.
Contact information for Certified Adviser
Eminova Fondkommission AB
E-mail: adviser@eminova.se, Phone: +46 (0)8 – 684 211 10
