Drug Database
ME

meningococcal B vaccine (rLP 2086 / PF05212366 / MnB rLP2086)

✓ Approved

Pfizer, Inc. · · Recombinant Proteins

What is meningococcal B vaccine?

meningococcal B vaccine is a recombinant proteins developed by Pfizer, Inc.. It is approved for therapeutic indications via injectable (others) or intramuscular (im) injection.

Drug Profile

Brand NamesrLP 2086, PF05212366, MnB rLP2086
CompanyPfizer, Inc.
Drug ClassRecombinant Proteins, Vaccine
RouteInjectable (Others), Intramuscular (IM) Injection
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Pfizer, Inc.

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Targets

meningococcal B vaccine acts on 1 molecular target:

()
Want deeper analysis?Noah AI can explain complex mechanisms and compare to similar drugs.

Therapeutic Indications

meningococcal B vaccine is developed for 1 unique indication across 1 therapeutic area.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Infections and infestationsMeningococcal bacteraemia✓ Approved

Related Research Articles

PubMedJournal of the International AIDS Society2026-07-25

Defining the Efficacy of Meningococcal B Vaccines Against Gonococcal Acquisition: The Current Landscape.

Seib Kate L KL, Grulich Andrew E AE

Gonorrhoea is a major global sexually transmitted infection, with rising incidence and increasing antimicrobial resistance threatening current control strategies. If untreated, Neisseria gonorrhoeae can lead to severe reproductive health sequelae. Gonorrhoea is also linked to increased HIV acquisition and transmission. There is currently no vaccine licensed to prevent gonorrhoea. However, observational evidence suggests that outer membrane vesicle-based serogroup B meningococcal vaccines, including the four-component meningococcal B (4CMenB) vaccine, confer partial cross-protection against gonorrhoea. We discuss observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on defining the efficacy of 4CMenB against gonorrhoea. Observational studies from multiple settings have reported an association between receipt of 4CMenB vaccine and reduced gonorrhoea risk, with a meta-analysis estimating a 38% reduction in risk. Neisseria meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae are closely related bacteria that share numerous antigens, making cross-protection biologically plausible. Based on observational data, 4CMenB immunization programmes have been implemented in two countries with the aim of preventing gonorrhoea. However, three RCTs have recently shown that 4CMenB is not effective in preventing gonorrhoea in gay, bisexual and other men at high risk of acquisition. Several RCTs are ongoing, looking at efficacy in different populations, including women and people at lower risk of acquisition. The different outcomes between the observational studies and RCTs may be due to a range of known and unknown confounding factors, and differences in the populations considered in the different studies. Current evidence from RCTs does not support the use of 4CMenB to prevent gonorrhoea in gay and bisexual men at high risk of acquisition. Results from ongoing RCTs will be critical to determine whether vaccine efficacy varies by population or epidemiological context and to inform future gonorrhoea vaccine policy and development.

PMID 42499182
Read full article →
PubMedJournal of the International AIDS Society2026-07-25

Potential Use of Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup B Vaccines to Prevent Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection: Epidemiological Considerations.

Gottlieb Sami L SL, Rowley Jane J, Balibrea Nuria N, Caugant Dominique A DA et al.

Clinical trials are evaluating the efficacy of serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccines in preventing gonorrhoea. We assessed the global epidemiology of gonorrhoea and MenB invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and reviewed national MenB-OMV vaccination policies to inform potential use of these vaccines. We included country-specific epidemiologic data from 2015 through October 2025. Gonorrhoea prevalence data for general populations of women were extracted from published systematic reviews and case reports taken from well-established reporting systems. Country-specific MenB IMD incidence rates were drawn from published reviews and surveillance reports. National MenB-OMV immunization policies were obtained from published reviews and databases from the World Health Organization and vaccine manufacturers. Forty-two countries had ≥1 gonorrhoea prevalence study. Mean prevalence was <1.0% in 19 (45%) countries, 1.0%-2.49% in 10 (24%), 2.5%-4.99% in 10 (24%) and ≥5% in three (7%), with higher prevalences mostly in the WHO African Region. MenB IMD incidence was reported in 62 countries: 17 (27%), mainly in the WHO African Region, had no cases; 28 (45%) had incidence <0.25/100,000; 14 (23%) had incidence 0.25-0.49/100,000; and only three had incidence ≥0.5/100,000 annually. Only 15 countries had data for both conditions. Case-report data showed gonorrhoea incidence peaking at ages 20-24 and being substantially higher among men who have sex with men (MSM). MenB IMD incidence was highest among children <4 years, with a second peak among 15- to 24-year-olds in some countries. Twenty-one countries incorporated MenB-OMV vaccines into infant immunization programmes and seven into adolescent programmes. One country had a targeted MenB-OMV vaccination programme (MSM at high-risk) for gonorrhoea prevention. Epidemiologic data were lacking in many countries; only a handful had a substantial burden of both gonorrhoea and MenB IMD. Low- and middle-income countries with high gonorrhoea prevalence typically reported no MenB IMD or lacked data, whereas high-income countries with higher MenB IMD incidence and MenB-OMV vaccine use had low gonorrhoea prevalence but high rates in subpopulations like MSM. If trials confirm MenB-OMV vaccine cross-protection against gonorrhoea, global epidemiology can help identify settings and populations for potential vaccine use against gonococcal infection alone, or for both conditions. Improved data collection and cost-effectiveness analyses across both conditions can further inform decision-making.

PMID 42499206
Read full article →
PubMedImmunological reviews2026-07-25

The Dual Role of Preexisting Immunity in Influenza: Protective Recall Versus Constraint of Novel Responses.

Fox Annette A, Zhu Ziheng Z, Sánchez-Ovando Stephany S

Preexisting immunity to influenza confers rapid protection against antigenically matched viruses but can also constrain responses to drifted variants. This review asks when and why prior infection or vaccination is protective versus detrimental, and which biological mechanisms-epitope masking by circulating antibody, inhibitory FcγRIIb signaling, and competitive dominance by affinity-matured memory B cells-drive these outcomes. We synthesize human cohort, serological, and vaccine-effectiveness data with mechanistic mouse and fate-mapping studies to explore how vaccine formulation, antigen dose, antigenic distance and T cell help modulate the balance between memory recall and recruitment of naïve B cells. Finally, we outline strategies (higher dose, adjuvants, multivalent display, and considered strain selection) to restore de novo responses against escape epitopes and improve vaccine performance.

PMID 42499177
Read full article →
PubMedFrontiers in public health2026-07-25

Respiratory symptoms, vaccination coverage, and antibiotic use among Hajj pilgrims: a multi-season cross sectional study (2023-2025).

Qashqari Fadi S I FSI

Respiratory tract infections are the most frequently reported illnesses during Hajj, one of the world's largest recurring mass gatherings. The convergence of millions of pilgrims from diverse geographic regions in Makkah, Saudi Arabia creates conditions conducive to the transmission of respiratory pathogens. Understanding patterns of infection, vaccination coverage, and antibiotic use across multiple seasons is essential to inform preventive strategies. A multi-season cross-sectional study was conducted during three consecutive Hajj seasons (2023-2025). Adult pilgrims were recruited and interviewed using a standardized structured questionnaire. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination history (meningococcal, influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal), comorbidities, smoking behavior, respiratory symptoms, healthcare-seeking behavior, and antibiotic use. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with respiratory symptoms and antibiotic consumption. A total of 712 human participants (adult Hajj pilgrims) were enrolled. Overall, 38.9% reported at least one respiratory symptom at the time of assessment, with cough (28.1%), sore throat (23.5%), and runny nose (21.9%) being most common. Chronic lung disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.36; 95% CI 1.42-3.92), presence of ≥1 chronic condition (aOR 1.58; 95% CI 1.12-2.24), and current smoking (aOR 1.74; 95% CI 1.15-2.63) were independently associated with respiratory symptoms. Influenza vaccination was associated with reduced odds of multi-symptom respiratory illness (aOR 0.72; 95% CI 0.53-0.98). Among symptomatic participants, 29.6% reported antibiotic use, frequently in the absence of febrile illness. Vaccination coverage was high for meningococcal vaccine (96.1%), while pneumococcal vaccination coverage remained lower. Respiratory symptoms remain a substantial health burden among Hajj pilgrims across consecutive seasons. Chronic lung disease and smoking increase susceptibility, while influenza vaccination appears protective. The frequent use of antibiotics highlights the need for strengthened antimicrobial stewardship. Enhanced vaccination uptake, targeted risk communication, and integrated prevention strategies are critical to mitigating respiratory infection risks during mass gatherings and safeguarding global public health.

PMID 42500006
Read full article →
PubMedJournal of the International AIDS Society2026-07-25

Vaccination Coverage and Prevention Counselling for Vaccine-Preventable STIs Among HIV PrEP Users in São Paulo, Brazil: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Rapozo Marjorie Marini MM, Lara Amanda Nazareth AN, Passarelli Victor Cabelho VC, Ramos Laísa Rivas Dapousa LRD et al.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users may be disproportionately vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in general, including several that are vaccine-preventable. Understanding immunization patterns in this population is, therefore, crucial. However, data on vaccination coverage among Brazilian PrEP users remains limited. We conducted a retrospective single-centre study of adults using HIV PrEP at an STI clinic in São Paulo, Brazil, between 2017 and 2024, to assess vaccination adequacy for vaccine-preventable STIs among PrEP users, as well as other STI prevention measures during follow-up. Demographic characteristics, substance use, STI history and vaccination status for hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV), human papillomavirus (HPV) and MPox were extracted from medical records, immunization registries and laboratory results, and descriptive analyses were performed. Among 190 participants (median age: 36 years), 89.5% were gay or other men who have sex with men (MSM). Over a mean follow-up period of 45 months, complete vaccination coverage was observed in 97.7% for HBV, 49.5% for HAV, 24.2% for HPV and 1.6% for MPox. Despite documented prior vaccination, a proportion of participants remained susceptible to HAV (16.3%) and HBV (2.3%). Furthermore, a substantial proportion of participants (32.1% for HAV, 53.7% for HPV and 81.0% for MPox) had neither a documented vaccination status nor a provider recommendation for vaccination recorded in their medical charts. HPV- and MPox-related clinical lesions were documented in 17.9% and 2.1% of participants, respectively. Notable gaps in immunization against preventable STIs were observed in this PrEP cohort in São Paulo, Brazil. While HBV coverage was high, uptake of HAV, HPV and MPox vaccines was low. Addressing these gaps in our cohort requires transitioning from mere provider recommendations to structural public health policies. Implementing on-site vaccine administration within PrEP services, integrating immunization into STI screening, expanding free access and addressing key vulnerabilities are critical steps to eliminate structural barriers and reduce the STI burden.

PMID 42499158
Read full article →
PubMedNature communications2026-07-25

JN.1-adapted vaccination is associated with readjustment of ancestral memory B cells toward neutralization within the JN.1 antigenic space.

Stankov Metodi V MV, Bruhn Matthias M, Hoffmann Markus M, Salam Abdus A et al.

The antigenic drift of SARS-CoV-2 toward the JN.1 lineage has prompted the development of variant-adapted COVID-19 booster vaccines. However, these boosters are thought to primarily recall pre-existing memory B cells (MBC), raising concerns about their ability to realign the immune response in highly pre-exposed populations. Here we analyze antibody and B cell responses in pre-exposed individuals (n = 42; median 4.5 prior COVID-19 vaccinations; 90% with at least one prior SARS-CoV-2 infection) following vaccination with a JN.1-adapted mRNA vaccine. Vaccination is associated with increased IgG binding and enhanced neutralization of JN.1 and related descendant variants. Longitudinal profiling of antigen-specific MBC shows that Wu01-only and Wu01/JN.1 cross-reactive cells remain dominant, while JN.1-only cells modestly increase by day 21. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of antigen-specific MBC in a representative sub-cohort (n = 7), combined with functional monoclonal antibody analyses, demonstrates that somatic hypermutation (SHM) drives intra-clonotype specialization toward improved JN.1 binding and neutralization. These findings indicate maturation of pre-existing, class-switched MBC rather than substantial de novo recruitment of naïve B cells. In conclusion, JN.1-adapted booster vaccination is associated with refinement of pre-existing MBC repertoires toward the JN.1 antigenic space and with enhanced neutralization of contemporary and antigenically proximate variants.

PMID 42498786
Read full article →

+9996 more articles available with a free account

Sign up free to view all articles →

Ask about meningococcal B vaccine