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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

PubMedmSphere2026-11-11

Genetic detoxification of an unencapsulated Neisseria meningitidis strain enhances potency of outer membrane vesicle vaccines and cross-reactivity of vaccine-specific antibodies.

Matthias Kathryn A KA, Kumova Ogan K OK, Reveille Alexandra A, Bizzell Erica E et al.

Meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) detergent-detoxified outer membrane vesicle (dOMV) vaccines demonstrate high effectiveness against the homologous production strain but confer limited cross-protection to heterologous strains. We previously reported that dOMVs isolated from a MenB strain deleted for the proteins PorA, PorB, and RmpM (ΔABR) elicited bactericidal antibodies with a greater breadth of coverage, but of lower overall titer, compared to wild-type (WT) dOMV-induced antibodies. Low ΔABR dOMV potency was associated with pronounced vesicular deterioration and lower levels of lipooligosaccharide (LOS) and capsular polysaccharide (Cps) relative to WT dOMVs, phenotypes resulting from detergent detoxification procedures required to limit LOS-induced toxicity. In this study, we engineered genetically detoxified ΔABR strains that were deleted singly for the lauroyl acyltransferase LpxL1 (ΔABRL) or in tandem for the Cps polysialyltransferase SiaD (ΔABRSL). Genetically detoxified, detergent-extracted OMVs (eOMVs) from ΔABRL and ΔABRSL retained vesicular structure and elicited functional antibodies with increased cross-reactivity compared to ΔABR and ΔABRL dOMVs when administered to rabbits. Antibody seropositivity and cross-reactivity were similarly increased in mice vaccinated with ΔABRL eOMVs vs ΔABRL dOMVs. ΔABRSL eOMV potency was higher than that of ΔABRL eOMVs, suggesting a role for Cps in suppressing antibody responses. Immunization with eOMVs was associated with trends toward improved murine T helper cell responses and elicitation of higher proportions of conformational antibodies that may have contributed to improved bactericidal activity. ΔABRSL eOMVs additionally showed decreased toxicity compared to WT and ΔABR dOMVs when tested in vitro, supporting further study as a vaccine candidate. The ability to target multiple serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis strains with a single vesicle vaccine is complicated by the diversity of antigens that span the bacterial surface. We previously reported that vesicles isolated from meningococcal strains deleted for the major antigenically diverse surface proteins elicited functional antibodies that could kill a large number of N. meningitidis strains though at relatively low titers. Low potency of the mutant vaccines was associated with a breakdown of the vesicular membrane upon detergent treatment, a process necessary to diminish endogenous endotoxin levels and ensure vaccine safety. In this study, we demonstrate that we can retain high cross-reactivity of anti-vesicle antibodies without decreasing the potency of the host immune response through genetic detoxification of the meningococcal vaccine strain. By preventing the formation of the complete endotoxin structure, we are able to isolate vesicles that are safe and immunogenic without the requirement for detergent detoxification.

PMID 43012508
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PubMedNPJ vaccines2026-11-11

A structure-guided trivalent subunit vaccine confers maternal protection to neonatal piglets against PEDV and PDCoV.

Liu Jia J, Chen Longping L, Li Dan D, Wang Zhuo Z et al.

Antigenic divergence among porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) genotypes and porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) limits the cross-protection provided by current commercial vaccines. Here, employing a structure-guided antigen design strategy, we developed a trivalent subunit vaccine concurrently targeting PEDV G2a, PEDV G2b, and PDCoV. The vaccine antigen set comprises optimized spike ectodomain antigens, featuring stabilizing mutations, a heptad repeat 2 (HR2) deletion, a fused neutralizing epitope, and a flagellin adjuvant fused to the N-terminus. Formulated with MF59+CpG adjuvants, this trivalent vaccine elicited robust PEDV- and PDCoV-specific neutralizing antibody responses and Th1/Th2-associated cellular immune responses characterized by IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 production in mice. Immunization of pregnant sows with 300 μg dose induced high-titer IgG, IgA, and colostral secretory IgA (SIgA) against all three target viruses. Although neutralizing antibody titers were comparable between the 100 μg and 300 μg dose groups, the 300 μg group showed higher and more persistent levels of colostral binding IgG and SIgA. Following maternal immunization, piglets that acquired maternal antibodies through colostrum exhibited reduced clinical diarrhea, lower fecal viral RNA shedding, and less severe intestinal lesions after challenge with PEDV G2a, PEDV G2b, or PDCoV. These findings support this structure-guided trivalent subunit vaccine as a promising candidate for maternal immunization against co-circulating porcine enteric coronaviruses.

PMID 43009510
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PubMedHealth communication2026-11-11

Spiritual Health Locus of Control and COVID-19 Booster Intentions Among Hispanic Americans: A Culturally Grounded Extension of the Extended Parallel Process Model.

Kim Joon J, Jun Jungmi J, Zambrano Rodriguez Viviana Carolina VC

Declining uptake of COVID-19 boosters poses significant public health concerns. Hispanic Americans, who have experienced disproportionate pandemic impacts, report lower uptake of updated boosters than non-Hispanic White adults, partly attributable to vaccine hesitancy. Although religiosity plays a central role in Hispanic communities, little is known about how spiritually grounded beliefs shape cognitive and emotional responses to vaccination. This study integrates the extended parallel process model (EPPM) with spiritual health locus of control (SHLOC) to examine how exposure to faith-based and governmental vaccine information influences booster intention through spiritually grounded efficacy appraisals. Using an online survey of Hispanic American adults (N = 349), we tested a structural equation model linking SHLOC, perceived threat, efficacy beliefs, fear, and vaccination intentions. Results indicated that active SHLOC, reflecting beliefs in divine partnership in health, increased response efficacy and indirectly promoted booster intention and vaccine advocacy, whereas passive SHLOC, reflecting divine determinism, reduced self-efficacy and indirectly discouraged booster intention. Perceived threat was positively associated with fear, and efficacy beliefs emerged as the strongest predictors of booster intention. Mediation analyses supported serial pathways from message exposure to SHLOC to efficacy to intention, identifying spiritually grounded control beliefs as a culturally embedded mechanism in vaccine decision making. Findings suggest that faith-based engagement can function as either a protective or risk communication channel, depending on whether messages reinforce divine partnership or determinism. The study advances EPPM by identifying SHLOC as a culturally grounded antecedent to efficacy appraisal and offers implications for culturally responsive vaccine communication in Hispanic communities.

PMID 43012739
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PubMedBMC women's health2026-11-11

Breast metastasis from BRCA1-mutated ovarian cancer: response to parp inhibition and a potential lymphatic route.

Xie Weiwei W, Liu Riqiang R, Xu Zhiyong Z, Xie Yanyan Y

Breast metastasis from extramammary malignancies is rare, with ovarian cancer being an exceptionally uncommon primary source. These metastases frequently mimic primary breast carcinoma, posing substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A 44-year-old woman presented with a breast mass initially suspected to be a primary breast carcinoma based on estrogen receptor (ER) (+, 80%), progesterone receptor (PR) (+, 5%), and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) (0) staining. However, subsequent workup revealed a synchronous ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (PAX8+/WT1+), raising the question of dual primary versus metastatic disease and prompting re-review of the breast biopsy, which ultimately confirmed the metastatic ovarian origin of the breast lesion. A pathogenic germline BRCA1 mutation c.964del (p.Ala322Leufs*19) was identified. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery, the patient received olaparib maintenance therapy, achieving 27 months of progression-free survival before platinum-resistant recurrence. Repeat HER2 testing of the breast lesion at recurrence showed conversion to IHC 2 + with FISH amplification, prompting enrollment in a clinical trial evaluating an anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). This case highlights three key points. First, the PAX8/WT1/GATA3 immunohistochemical panel is critical for distinguishing ovarian metastasis from primary breast carcinoma. Second, the route of spread from the ovary to the breast, possibly transdiaphragmatic via the cardiophrenic and internal mammary nodes, requires further investigation. Third, PARP inhibitor maintenance in the context of a germline BRCA1 mutation provided sustained disease control, and HER2 status conversion at recurrence opened a therapeutic window for sequential antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy.

PMID 43009943
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PubMedAnalytical chemistry2026-11-11

Deciphering the In Vivo Fate of PEGylated rhGH via a Molecular Ruler-Based MS Strategy.

Liu Kexin K, Zou Yuqing Y, Gu Qian Q, Song Shiwen S et al.

A growing number of long-acting protein therapeutics rely on high-molecular-weight (HMW) polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugation to extend circulation time, yet the in vivo fate of PEG-derived species remains a critical blind spot for drug safety and regulatory evaluation. A key analytical challenge is that intact conjugates and PEG-derived species cannot be resolved by intact-protein or total-PEG measurements alone. Here we report a molecular ruler-based mass spectrometry strategy that integrates MSALL acquisition, PEG standard calibration anchors spanning broad molecular-weight ranges, and a self-built high-resolution mass spectral (HRMS) library to convert broad, overlapping PEG signal envelopes into temporally traceable, molecular-weight-referenced analytical targets. Applied to 40 kDa PEG-modified recombinant human growth hormone (PEG-rhGH) in rats, the workflow quantitatively traced the intact conjugate (plasma half-life t1/2 = 26.83 h) and concurrently resolved tissue-associated PEG 40 kDa and a PEG-related metabolite series. Intact PEG-rhGH remained below the validated tissue LLOQ, whereas PEG-derived components accumulated preferentially in the liver (peak at 48 h), with total urinary and fecal recovery of the quantitatively monitored intact PEG-rhGH and PEG 40 kDa below 10% by 144 hindicating profoundly delayed elimination. HRMS interrogation revealed low-molecular-weight PEG oligomers (PEG7-PEG21) together with carboxylic-acid- and aldehyde-terminated species in liver, consistent with in vivo chain shortening and end-group transformation. By linking intact-conjugate exposure, tissue accumulation, metabolite profiling, and excretion within a single transferable framework, this strategy provides a measurement-science tool for the systematic evaluation of HMW PEGylated protein therapeutics and other pharmaceutical polymer systems.

PMID 43010503
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PubMedInternational journal for equity in health2026-11-11

Reaching zero-dose children through the Big Catch-Up initiative in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Elmahdy Eman E, Mere Osama O, Farrukh Saadia S, Alyousfi Mohamad Nihad MN et al.

Routine immunization (RI) is one of the most effective public health interventions for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. However, recent disruptions to RI have created immunity gaps in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), increasing the number of zero-dose (ZD) and under-immunized children, particularly in countries affected by conflict, displacement, service disruption, and ongoing vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. The Big Catch-Up (BCU) initiative aimed to identify and vaccinate missed children, close immunity gaps, and strengthen RI systems. In the six Gavi-supported EMR countries included in this study (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen), implementation targeted children aged 12-59 months. This study assessed progress in reaching ZD children during BCU implementation in these six countries. A descriptive, multi-country programmatic analysis was conducted using quantitative and qualitative data from BCU quarterly reports covering implementation from Q4 2024 to Q1 2026. Additional data sources included World health Organization (WHO and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), Gavi-approved vaccine dose data, and UNICEF vaccine shipment data. Quantitative analysis summarized administered doses, zero-dose targets, BCU coverage, vaccine consumption, and performance by country and antigen among children aged 12-59 months. Age-disaggregated analyses were conducted for children aged 12-23 months and 24-59 months. Qualitative information from country reports on implementation successes, challenges, and lessons learned was summarized by country and thematic area. During the BCU implementation period, 3.5 million zero-dose children were reached with Penta1 across the six countries, representing 53% of the estimated cumulative population of 6.6 million ZD children. Of the 57 million Gavi-approved vaccine doses, 98% were shipped to countries, and 47.7 million doses were administered, equivalent to 84% of approved doses. Implementation success was supported by targeted identification of areas with high numbers of zero-dose children, integrated outreach, integration with other health services, and recruitment of vaccinators and deployment of community health workers. Key challenges included insecurity, population movement, inaccessible districts, community refusal, and limited community engagement. Substantial progress in reaching missed children was reported during BCU implementation in high-priority EMR countries. Lessons learned highlight the importance of integrating catch-up vaccination with RI, strengthening microplanning, ensuring timely vaccine supply and financing, improving community engagement, and institutionalizing catch-up vaccination.

PMID 43009985
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