Our Technology
Pipeline
ReNewVax is advancing a pipeline of next-generation bacterial vaccines targeting three of the most urgent global health threats: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Strep), and Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep). Each of our candidates, RVX-001, RVX-002, and RVX-003, are designed using genomic data and innovative antigen discovery to overcome the limitations of existing approaches.
RVX-001
RVX-001 is the first universal vaccine for Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as the pneumococcus).
A major cause of global morbidity and mortality from pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis, Strep. Pneumoniae is the third-leading cause of death from bacterial infection globally and the fourth-leading cause of deaths associated with Antimicrobial Resistance or AMR (WHO).
Growing Global Need
The limitations of existing products have led to the World Health Organisation (WHO) leading calls for a lower cost, universal vaccine to S. pneumoniae, that will provide coverage against all strains.
Limitations of Current Vaccines
Existing vaccine technologies work by inducing immunity to a relatively small subset of the ca. 100 different pneumococcus serotypes. Whilst this approach has led to a reduction in serious pneumococcal disease, the inherent limitations of the technology mean that:
• Manufacturing is costly, which limits vaccine use largely to high income countries.
• Coverage against pneumococcus is limited to around 20% of vaccine serotypes and residual disease burden is significant and growing, with an increasing impact from AMR pneumococcal strains.
• By targeting only a fraction of the known strains, the phenomenon of serotype replacement means that new strains become dominant, replacing those covered by PCV vaccines.
Scientific Innovation Behind RVX-001
Our proprietary antigens in RVX-001 have been identified through genomic screening of clinical samples and are highly conserved across all pneumococcal serotypes.
Scalable, Low-Cost Manufacturing
Recombinant protein manufacture in E. coli means that RVX-001 is well-positioned as the first low-cost, universal vaccine to protect against this key pathogen.
RVX-002
RVX-002 is targeted at Streptococcus agalactiae, also referred to as Group B Streptococcus (GBS).
GBS is a Gram-positive, opportunistic pathogen that colonises the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of up to 50% of healthy adults globally.
Global Disease Burden
GBS is estimated to cause 392,000 cases of invasive disease (e.g. pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis) globally per annum, resulting in 91,000 deaths and 46,000 stillbirths. There are 518,000 GBS-associated pre-term births each year. GBS is also responsible for significant morbidity in pregnant women and is a growing problem in the elderly and immunocompromised adults (Lancet Global Health 2022;10:e807-819).
Current Prevention Practices and AMR Impact
Peripartum antibiotics are in common use in many settings to prevent early onset neonatal sepsis with as many as 30% of women receiving treatment. This widespread use is a significant contributor to the growth of AMR and a vaccine has been identified by WHO as a strategic international priority to reduce the burden of disease and decrease antibiotic use.
Global Policy Priority
GBS is one of the 4 focal pathogens (along with S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis and H. influenzae) listed in the WHO’s “Defeating Meningitis by 2030” roadmap.
Genomic Approach to Vaccine Design
A collection of GBS genomes isolated from both industrialised and developing countries, have been analysed to identify candidate antigens, which are currently being assessed in a novel vaccine formulation.
RVX-003
RVX-003 is targeted at Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus or GAS), a Gram-positive pathogen estimated to cause ca. 700 million infections per annum worldwide.
Disease Impact
Whilst GAS is primarily responsible for mild symptoms such as strep throat, it may also cause life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis (also called flesh-eating disease), toxic shock syndrome, acute rheumatic fever (ARF), rheumatic heart disease (RHD), and other post-infectious immune-related diseases.
Antibiotic Resistance and Global Urgency
The emergence of GAS resistance to antibiotics such as penicillin, clindamycin and macrolides has led the WHO to flag the development of a global vaccine against GAS as a priority.
RVX-003 Discovery Approach
RVX-003 discovery has focused on analysis of a global collection of GAS genomes that cover >60% of disease-causing emm types.
Vaccine Candidate Screening
The most promising vaccine candidates were selected and screening studies are on-going to assess the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of candidates.