Groundbreaking vaccination research shared at World Vaccine Congress

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Anivive Lifesciences (Anivive) announced it will present the findings from its groundbreaking research on developing a systemic antifungal vaccination, which would be the first worldwide. Anivive will share the findings during the World Vaccine Congress happening April 1-4.

According to the release, Edward Robb, DVM, chief strategy officer at Anivive is leading a team of researchers at Anivive that are collaborating with the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona.¹ The joint efforts have led to the development of a novel vaccine candidate to target coccidioidomycosis fungal infection, commonly referred to as Valley Fever.

Robb will present the findings on behalf of the team and will focus his lecture on the crucial need for an effective antifungal disease, especially considering the increase of fungal infections across the world as well as the challenges faced when developing this kind of vaccination. A study published earlier this year in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that the global incidence and mortality from invasive fungal diseases is substantially higher than previously thought.²

The study used data collected from 85 papers on individual countries and global disease burden from 2010 to 2023 and estimated that over 6.55 million people are affected by an invasive fungal infection and 3.8 million reported deaths. Researchers of the study also noted that these estimates do not include influenza or COVID-19 outbreaks. Out of those reported deaths, about 68% were directly connected to a fungal infection.²

"We are at a pivotal moment in the fight against fungal infections," said Robb. "The development of an antifungal vaccine represents a transformative approach to combating these pervasive and often overlooked pathogens. I am honored to share our findings at the World Vaccine Congress and contribute to the global dialogue on vaccine innovation."

The research conducted by Robb and his team was a collaborative effort bringing together private and public enterprises to create a significant breakthrough within vaccinology and could lead researchers to become the first to prevent a systemic fungal infection that is common in dogs and humans. Current and traditional treatment options are often long and costly therapies with the risk of relapse as well as drug resistance. A vaccine of this nature can offer an alternative by using the body’s immune system to prevent the infection altogether.

The presentation will give attendees insights into the vaccine’s mechanisms of action, preclinical studies for efficacy, and the microbial safety of the vaccine.

References

1. Anivive to present groundbreaking research on the first systemic antifungal vaccine at World Vaccine Congress. News release. Anivive Lifesciences Inc. April 4, 2024. Accessed April 4, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anivive-to-present-groundbreaking-research-on-first-systemic-antifungal-vaccine-at-world-vaccine-congress-302108375.html
2. Denning DW. Global incidence and mortality of severe fungal disease - Author's reply. Lancet Infect Dis. Published online February 20, 2024. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(24)00103-8