GSK is developing a multi-component vaccine to reduce the incidence and severity of Strep A superficial infections (e.g., pharyngitis and impetigo) and consequently reduce the global burden of associated autoimmune sequelae (ARF and RHD) and associated antibiotic prescriptions, which are the basis for the increased antibiotic resistance of this pathogen and bystander selective pressure on the human microbiome.
Although Strep A is a major killer and key player in the emergence of AMR, there is a perception that Strep A infections are relatively mild and easily treated diseases. This lack of awareness significantly underpins the unmet need and has impacted the development of Strep A vaccines for developing countries. On the top of that, the COVID-19 pandemic created a new level of complexity, putting Strep A in direct competition with COVID-19 for raw materials, manufacturing slots and resources, which caused a significant impact on our strategy and processes. On the other hand, the pandemic created opportunities for further vaccine improvement, strengthened our collaborative network and paved the way for an accelerated and adaptive clinical development. Here we discuss the lessons learned and how the pandemic strengthened our pre-clinical and clinical package to ensure the access of an improved Strep A vaccine to the populations in need around the globe.