GROUP B STREPTOCOCCUS (GBS)
About GBS
We are focused on making a big global impact by developing a state-of-the-art prophylactic vaccine against Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection. Our aim is to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes and life-threatening infections caused by GBS.
EXPLAINER
What is GBS?
Group B Streptococcus (GBS; Streptococcus agalactiae) is a gram-positive bacterium. It makes up part of the normal bacterial flora in some 20% of people and can lead to devastating outcomes in people of all ages, worldwide.
Watch our Group B Streptococcus explainer video for more.
OUR MOTIVATIONMaternal GBS
GBS is the leading cause of life-threatening infections in newborns.
GBS colonization in pregnant persons may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as premature delivery or stillbirth, and it is the leading cause of life-threatening infections in newborn babies during the first 3 months of life.
The World Health Organization and National Institute of Health in the U.S. have identified prevention of GBS in newborns as a major vaccine objective.
So far, no approved vaccine exists.
THE FACTS – GBS IN PREGNANCYGBS is responsible for a significant number of adverse pregnancy outcomes globally
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pre-term births
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newborn deaths
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neonatal infections
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stillbirths
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infants to have long-term neurological impairment
TRANSMISSIONGBS transmission can happen at various timepoints:
In the womb or
during birth
during birth
Leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes and serious life-threatening infections in the first 6 days of life (early onset disease, or EOD).
At any time during the
first 3 months of life
first 3 months of life
Passed on by the mother or by another colonized person, triggering what is known as late onset disease (LOD).
Current prophylaxis is no panacea
Preventative measures involve using antibiotics during childbirth, known as intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP).
Since its introduction over 20 years ago, IAP has reduced the incidence of early onset GBS disease by ~ 80% in the US, however:
OUR APPROACH – PREGNANT PERSONSThe development of an efficacious GBS vaccine for maternal immunization capable of inducing high levels of protective antibodies in pregnant persons may address the shortfall in current intervention strategies and address current unmet medical needs
OUR DRIVEGBS in non-pregnant adults
Invasive GBS disease in non-pregnant adults has been increasing over the last 40 years.
GBS disease in non-pregnant adults can lead to devastating consequences for the older adult population, especially those >65 years of age or with underlying chronic health conditions.
Complications from GBS infection can include:
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Secondary and primary bacteremia
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Septic arthritis
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Endocarditis
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Prosthetic joint infection
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Necrotizing myositis and fasciitis.
So far, no approved vaccine exists.
THE FACTS – GBS IN OLDER ADULTSGBS is responsible for a significant number of adverse outcomes in non-pregnant adults
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cases in US alone
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to be hospitalized
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fatality rate
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to be admitted to ICU