CARB-X is funding the GSK Biologicals and its affiliate GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health (GVGH), based in Siena, Italy, to develop new vaccines to prevent serious infections caused by two different pathogens. Together, the two awards could be worth potentially more than $18 million if project milestones are met, subject to available funding.

GSK’s two vaccine projects target the prevention of:

Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infections, commonly known as Strep Throat, a major reason for antibiotic prescriptions and cause of immune-mediated diseases. The CARB-X award is worth up to $8.2 million, plus up to an additional $4.2 million if the project meets certain milestones. 

Infections caused by Salmonella enterica, which cause invasive nontyphoidal salmonellosis (iNTS) disease and typhoid fever, major causes of death among children and significant health challenges primarily in sub-Saharan African countries.  The CARB-X award is for $2.2 million to support the development of this new vaccine. If project milestones are met, the project could be eligible for up to $4.0 million in additional funding.  

There are currently no vaccines available against Group A Streptococcus or iNTS, both of which are rapidly developing resistance to existing antibiotics. 

“Vaccines not only prevent infections, they also reduce the need for antibiotics, helping to curb the spread of drug resistance,” said Erin Duffy, R&D Chief, CARB-X, a non-profit global partnership led by Boston University and dedicated to supporting the development of innovative therapeutics, preventatives and diagnostics to address antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.  

“As part of GSK’s overall Global Health approach, GVGH is dedicated to working with partners to develop effective and affordable vaccines that protect vulnerable communities against some of the most prevalent diseases causing high morbidity and mortality in developing countries, said Francesco Berlanda Scorza, Director, GVGH.”