Potential for Maternally Administered Vaccine for Infant Group B Streptococcus

Natural history studies have correlated serotype specific anti-capsular polysaccharide (CPS) IgG in newborns with a reduced risk of group B streptococcal disease. A hexavalent CPS cross reactive material 197 glycoconjugate vaccine (GBS6) is being developed as a maternal vaccine to prevent invasive group B streptococcus in young infants. In this phase 2, placebo-controlled trial involving pregnant women, the safety and immunogenicity of GBS6 were assessed, alongside maternally transferred anti CPS antibodies. Results showed that GBS6 elicited anti-CPS antibodies in pregnant women, which were transferred to infants at levels associated with reduced risk of invasive disease. No safety concerns were identified, and immunogenicity varied by serotype and formulation. The study supports the potential of GBS6 as a maternal vaccine to protect infants from group B streptococcal disease.

Natural history studies have correlated serotype specific anti-capsular polysaccharide (CPS) IgG in newborns with a reduced risk of group B streptococcal disease. A hexavalent CPS cross reactive material 197 glycoconjugate vaccine (GBS6) is being developed as a maternal vaccine to prevent invasive group B streptococcus in young infants. In this phase 2, placebo-controlled trial involving pregnant women, the safety and immunogenicity of GBS6 were assessed, alongside maternally transferred anti CPS antibodies. Results showed that GBS6 elicited anti-CPS antibodies in pregnant women, which were transferred to infants at levels associated with reduced risk of invasive disease. No safety concerns were identified, and immunogenicity varied by serotype and formulation. The study supports the potential of GBS6 as a maternal vaccine to protect infants from group B streptococcal disease.