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April 8, 2024
A groundbreaking study has unveiled promising results regarding the effectiveness of the oral spray-based vaccine ‘MV140’ in preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) over an extended period. Published in the European Association of Urology journal, the study highlights MV140 as a potential alternative to antibiotic treatments, showcasing its ability to keep more than 50 percent of recipients UTI-free for up to nine years.
UTIs, the most common bacterial infections affecting millions worldwide, can cause significant discomfort and pain. Recurrent infections, requiring short-term antibiotic treatment, occur in a substantial portion of cases, underscoring the urgency for effective preventive measures.
Conducted by specialists at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in the UK, the study assessed the safety and efficacy of the MV140 vaccine in 89 patients. Remarkably, approximately 54 percent of study participants remained free from UTIs for nine years following vaccination, with no notable adverse effects reported.
Dr. Bob Yang, Consultant Urologist at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and co-leader of the study, expressed optimism about the vaccine’s long-term efficacy. “Nine years after first receiving this new UTI vaccine, around half of participants remained infection-free. Overall, this vaccine is safe in the long term, and our participants reported having fewer UTIs that were less severe,” Dr. Yang remarked.
Administered as two sprays of a pineapple-flavored suspension under the tongue daily for three months, the MV140 vaccine targets UTI-causing bacteria effectively. Developed by Spain-based pharmaceutical company Immunotek, MV140 contains four bacterial species in a water suspension. Currently, it is available off-license in 26 countries.
The research revealed that 48 participants remained entirely infection-free during the nine-year follow-up period. On average, participants experienced an infection-free period of 54.7 months, with women averaging 56.7 months and men 44.3 months. Moreover, 40 percent of participants opted for repeat doses of the vaccine after one or two years.
Professor Gernot Bonkat from the Alta Uro Medical Centre for Urology in Switzerland hailed the study’s findings as encouraging, emphasizing the long-term safety and effectiveness of the MV140 vaccine.
As UTIs continue to pose a significant health burden globally, innovative preventive strategies like the MV140 vaccine offer promising avenues for reducing the prevalence and severity of these infections. With further research and development, such vaccines could revolutionize UTI management, improving the quality of life for millions worldwide.
