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meningococcal A conjugate vaccine (MenAfriVac)

✓ Approved

Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. · Cell-based Therapies · Cell-based Therapies

What is meningococcal A conjugate vaccine?

meningococcal A conjugate vaccine is a cell-based therapies developed by Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd.. It is approved for therapeutic indications via injectable (others) or intramuscular (im) injection.

Drug Profile

Brand NamesMenAfriVac
CompanySerum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd.
Drug ClassCell-based Therapies, Vaccine
RouteInjectable (Others), Intramuscular (IM) Injection
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd.

Therapeutic Indications

meningococcal A conjugate 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
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PubMedPneumonia (Nathan Qld.)2026-07-25

Pneumococcal pneumonia in adults - re-emergence of vaccine serotypes: a prospective multicenter cohort study in Germany, 2020-2023.

Bahrs Christina C, Rose Norman N, Barten-Neiner Grit G, Fleischmann-Struzek Carolin C et al.

The main burden of non-invasive pneumococcal diseases in adults is largely due to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This study aimed to investigate the distribution and dynamics of pneumococcal vaccine serotypes and to determine the proportion of CAP cases attributable to serotypes covered by 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13), the 20-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV20), and the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) among adults in Germany from 2020 to 2023. In this prospective multicenter cohort study, we analyzed all adult patients with CAP enrolled between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023, at 26 centers in Germany who provided urine samples for serotype-specific urine antigen detection (SSUAD) testing. Annual trends of pneumococcal vaccine serotypes from 2020 to 2023 were calculated for all patients and patient groups at risk using cluster-robust generalized linear models with heteroscedasticity-consistent standard errors. Of the 2,028 patients with all-cause CAP, 1,504 (1,008 patients aged ≥ 60 years, 373 younger patients with at least one comorbidity) had urine samples analyzed with SSUAD tests. Overall proportion of vaccine-type pneumococcal pneumonia among all-cause CAP for PCV13, PCV20, and PPV23 serotypes was 5.41% (95% CI 4.12-7.06%), 8.11% (95% CI 6.35-10.31%), and 8.31% (95% CI 6.27-10.93%), and serotype 3 was the most prevalent serotype (52 cases). Among patients aged ≥ 60 years, an increasing annual trend was observed for serotype 3 (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.01-2.67), PCV13 (OR 1.89, 95% CI 0.89-2.89), PCV20 (OR 1.57, 95% CI 0.99-2.14), and PPV23 serotypes (OR 1.47, 1.04-1.91). The findings demonstrate that vaccine serotypes, particularly serotype 3, continued to circulate and reemerged among older adults with CAP in Germany.

PMID 42498972
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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
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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
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PubMedCell reports. Medicine2026-07-25

Combine antibody-drug conjugate with cmLumiOpto for triple-negative breast cancer treatment.

Varadkar Tanvi T, Zhou Zhuoxin Zora ZZ, Si Yingnan Y, Zhang Jiashuai J et al.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and chemotherapy-resistant subtype characterized by high metastatic potential and frequent recurrence, making monotherapies largely ineffective. This study evaluates a combination strategy utilizing a CD276 (B7-H3)-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) alongside mitochondria-targeted gene therapy. The anti-CD276 monoclonal antibody-mertansine conjugate substantially reduces tumor burden at a low dose. It exhibits strong synergy with the cmLumiOpto platform, enhancing cytotoxicity across three TNBC cell lines, impairing mitochondrial function, and elevating the tumoral immune response. Furthermore, the ADC/cmLumiOpto combination suppresses TNBC metastasis in mouse models and inhibits tumor growth by 95%-100% in patient-derived xenograft models. Mechanistic investigations reveal downregulated metastatic signaling, tumor microenvironment remodeling, increased apoptosis, and upregulated tumoral immunity. Histological and body weight analyses indicate minimal systemic toxicity. These findings highlight the translational potential of combining CD276-targeted ADC with mitochondrial gene therapy to treat aggressive TNBC.

PMID 42497865
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PubMedJournal of the International AIDS Society2026-07-25

Behavioural and Structural Determinants of Mpox Vaccine Awareness and Uptake Among People With HIV in the Dominican Republic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Paulino-Ramirez Robert R, Matias Wilfredo R WR, Chaumette Alexandre A, Lora-Rodríguez Hector H et al.

Mpox disproportionately affects people with HIV (PWH), yet little is known about mpox vaccine awareness and uptake in low- and middle-income countries. We evaluated mpox-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among PWH in the Dominican Republic to identify determinants of vaccine awareness and uptake. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of 98 PWH recruited through HIV clinics, community-based organizations and social networks (January-May 2025). The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, mpox-related KAP, structural barriers and vaccination status. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine factors associated with mpox vaccine awareness. Half of the participants (49/98) were aware of the mpox vaccine. Individuals aged 31-40 years had significantly lower odds of awareness compared with those aged 21-30 years. Despite high levels of formal education, 79% rated their mpox knowledge as low, and most perceived minimal personal risk. Among participants aware of the vaccine, 71% had been vaccinated. Structural barriers, including inconvenient site locations and logistical challenges, were frequently reported, even among vaccinated individuals, indicating that access limitations rather than hesitancy were the dominant constraints. Trust in vaccinating organizations was high overall, and healthcare providers and community organizations were the primary sources of vaccine information. Peer and community influence emerged as notable facilitators of uptake, while lack of reliable information and concerns about vaccine safety contributed to hesitancy. Mpox vaccine awareness among PWH in the Dominican Republic was low, but willingness to vaccinate was high when individuals were informed and able to access services. Strengthening mpox preparedness will require expanding accessible vaccination sites, improving disease-specific health literacy, and leveraging trusted community and clinical networks. Integrating mpox vaccination into routine HIV care delivery and enhancing community-led outreach may substantially improve uptake in this and similar low-middle income countries (LMIC) settings.

PMID 42499164
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