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Paris, France – Groundbreaking research presented at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Paris offers hope for millions suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), as scientists unveil promising results from the first long-term follow-up study of an oral spray-based vaccine. The study, conducted by clinicians at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in the UK, highlights the potential of the MV140 vaccine to prevent UTIs for up to nine years, offering a potential alternative to traditional antibiotic treatments.
UTIs, characterized by painful and uncomfortable symptoms, affect half of all women and one in five men, with recurrent infections developing in 20 to 30 percent of cases. With rising concerns over antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need for new preventive measures and treatments.
Led by Dr. Bob Yang, Consultant Urologist at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, the research team evaluated the safety and efficacy of the MV140 vaccine in 89 patients originally treated at The Urology Partnership Reading. Administered as two sprays of a pineapple-flavored suspension under the tongue daily for three months, the vaccine demonstrated promising results in preventing recurrent UTIs over an extended period.
“Nine years after first receiving this new UTI vaccine, around half of participants remained infection free,” revealed Dr. Yang, underscoring the vaccine’s long-term safety and effectiveness. “Many of our participants reported having fewer UTIs that were less severe, with some successfully managing infections through simple measures like increased water intake.”
The study, which analyzed electronic health records and participant interviews, revealed that 54 percent of study participants remained UTI-free for nine years, with no notable side effects reported. Notably, 40 percent of participants opted for repeat doses of the vaccine after one or two years, further validating its efficacy.
Professor Gernot Bonkat, Chairman of Guidelines on Urological Infections at the EAU, hailed the findings as promising, emphasizing the potential of the MV140 vaccine to reduce the economic burden of recurrent UTIs and mitigate the overuse of antibiotics.
“Further research into more complex UTIs and diverse patient populations is warranted to optimize the use of this vaccine,” remarked Professor Bonkat. “While pragmatic considerations remain, this vaccine represents a potential breakthrough in UTI prevention, offering a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatments.”
Developed by the Spanish pharmaceutical company Immunotek, the MV140 vaccine contains four bacterial species in a suspension with water and is currently available off-license in 26 countries. The study underscores the importance of innovative approaches in tackling recurrent UTIs and improving the quality of life for individuals worldwide.
As the world grapples with the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance and infectious diseases, the MV140 vaccine stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against UTIs, offering a promising avenue for prevention and treatment.
