Bharat Biotech and GSK Join Forces to Advance Shigella Vaccine for Global Health

Bharat Biotech has partnered with GSK to accelerate the development of a promising Shigella vaccine candidate, altSonflex1-2-3, aimed at combating severe bacterial diarrhoea. This collaboration marks a significant step in addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and improving vaccine accessibility in low- and middle-income countries.  

Key highlights of the partnership  
- Bharat Biotech will lead Phase 3 clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and large-scale manufacturing of the vaccine candidate.  
- GSK will provide funding, assist with clinical trial design, and support commercialization strategies.  
- Early-stage trials have demonstrated strong immune response and a favorable safety profile, with Phase 3 trials now underway.  

Strategic impact on global health  
- Shigellosis disproportionately affects children under five, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.  
- With no approved vaccine currently available, this initiative aims to provide a scalable and affordable solution to prevent infections.  
- The vaccine candidate utilizes Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens (GMMA) technology, enabling efficient production and cost-effective distribution.  

Advancing clinical development  
- A Phase 1 study in Europe confirmed the vaccine’s safety and immunogenicity.  
- Phase 2 trials in Africa, including vaccinations for infants, reported no safety concerns.  
- Interim results from 2024 validated the vaccine’s effectiveness, paving the way for Phase 3 trials under Bharat Biotech’s leadership.  

About Bharat Biotech and GSK  
Bharat Biotech is a global leader in vaccine innovation, known for its contributions to immunization programs worldwide. GSK, a multinational pharmaceutical company, specializes in vaccine research and development, with a strong focus on global health initiatives.  

Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, BioVoice News, GSK.