New technology could enable a vaccine against severe diarrheal disease

The researchers’ goal has been to develop a vaccine against enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), a bacterium responsible for millions of disease cases worldwide each year. The disease particularly affects children in low- and middle-income countries, where severe intestinal infections can have long-term health consequences.

International collaboration

The licensing agreement with Valneva was established through VIS – Vestland Innovation Company, which manages the commercial rights on behalf of the research institutions.

– This is an important step in moving research results from the laboratory into concrete vaccine development. We are also pleased that the agreement facilitates access in low- and middle-income countries, where the need is greatest, says Stine Fiksdal, CEO of VIS.

A key target has been the human heat-stable toxin (STh), one of the bacterium’s most important disease-causing molecules and at the same time one of the most challenging targets for vaccine development.

– We have not been searching for a single breakthrough, but have worked systematically to solve the challenges that have made STh a difficult vaccine target. Through targeted design and the gradual building of knowledge, we have developed a technology that is now ready for further development, says NORCE researcher Pål Puntervoll.

The research is the result of a broad international collaboration between NORCE, University of Bergen, Institut Pasteur, the Indian Institute of Science, Tulane University and South Dakota State University.

Built on decades of research

The licensed technology builds on research initiated in 2009 and has its roots in an ETEC research programme in Bergen dating back to the 1980s.

– The licensing agreement is an important milestone and demonstrates that the research is considered to have potential for further vaccine development, says Professor Halvor Sommerfelt at UiB.

Through the agreement, Valneva obtains exclusive rights to further develop the technology, covering both commercial markets and a defined pathway towards use in low- and middle-income countries.

Potential global impact

ETEC is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrheal disease globally, and there is still no vaccine that provides effective protection.

– The STh-producing strains account for a large share of the severe disease burden, and children develop limited natural immunity against them. This is why we have worked systematically to develop technology that may provide protection, says Sommerfelt.

The new agreement enables the transition of research from academia and research institutes into industrial development, with the aim of making the technology available to those who need it most.

– The long-term goal is to contribute to vaccines that can reduce the disease burden affecting children in low- and middle-income countries. The licensing agreement with Valneva is an important step towards this goal, say Puntervoll and Sommerfelt.