A University of Queensland-led research effort to develop an mRNA vaccine against Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) has  in philanthropic funding.

The Leducq Foundation has announcsecured almost $8 millioned support for the project that might reduce Strep A infections, which cause greater than 500,000 deaths a 12 months – with about 70 per cent resulting from rheumatic heart disease.

Professor Mark Walker from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience said there was no vaccine for prevention of Strep A, but efficacy data from the team’s preclinical studies was promising.

The support from the Leducq Foundation will allow us to construct on research already underway at UQ where we now have been collaborating with Moderna to develop an mRNA vaccine against Strep A.”

Professor Mark Walker from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience

The Strep A bacteria causes strep throat and scarlet fever and is a serious driver of antibiotic use in children.

Repeated infections can result in rheumatic heart disease, essentially the most significant reason for childhood death as a result of heart failure.

Dr David Milan, Leducq Chief Scientific Officer, said this modern approach to a Strep A vaccine falls squarely inside the heart problems mission of the Leducq Foundation.

“Leducq is worked up concerning the potential of a Strep A mRNA vaccine to significantly reduce not only strep throat infections but subsequent rheumatic heart disease, a serious source of mortality worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries,” Dr Milan said.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said she was extremely grateful for the Leducq Foundation’s recognition and support of the University as a centre for excellence in vaccine research and discovery.

“It’s an excellent example of how industry, academia and philanthropic organizations can work together to tackle among the world’s significant global public health challenges,” Professor Terry said.

Moderna’s Dr Obadiah Plante said this collaboration has the potential to deliver an mRNA vaccine for the prevention of Strep A-caused disease.

“This brings together Moderna’s research team and leaders within the Strep A field across research, immunology and clinical practice to deal with a typical goal,” Dr Plante said.

“We’re excited to develop an mRNA-based Group A Streptococcus vaccine and stay up for continuing our partnership with The University of Queensland to speed up this research.”

Immunologist Professor Gabrielle Belz from UQ’s Frazer Institute said the crucial collaboration aimed to reduce or eliminate the burden of Strep A infections.

“We hope further research and testing will establish proof of concept and ultimately translate right into a mRNA vaccine that gives long run immune protection,” Professor Belz said.

The team includes researchers from UQ, the University of Melbourne, the Murdoch Kid’s Research Institute, Emory University, CONACYT and Moderna.

Source:

The University of Queensland