Words by Isabel O’Brien
On a mission to combat the rising rates of chlamydia, Sanofi has received FDA fast-track designation for its mRNA vaccine candidate. This decision underscores the need for a preventative measure against the infection, which affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to serious reproductive health issues.
Chlamydia, which is often asymptomatic, is a major public health challenge. With the highest rates of infection in adolescents and young adults, current antibiotic treatments have failed to curb rising cases, highlighting the need for a new approach. The Sanofi candidate aims to provide protection against primary genital tract infection and reinfection by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
“Millions of people currently live with undiagnosed chlamydia, including asymptomatic infection that can also cause severe long-term health effects if left untreated,” said Jean-François Toussaint, Global Head of Vaccines R&D, Sanofi. “We aim to make chlamydia a preventable disease through vaccination.”
The development of this vaccine candidate is a collaborative effort, stemming from the Translational Science Hub, a partnership involving the Queensland Government, Griffith University, the University of Queensland and Sanofi scientists across France and the US.
A Phase 1/2 clinical study, designed to evaluate the vaccine’s immunogenicity and safety in adults aged 18 to 29, is set to commence shortly. This marks a potential step towards turning the tide against this widespread infection.
