$1.8 million to pioneer mRNA vaccine against UTIs

The UNSW RNA Institute is part of a groundbreaking research project to develop an mRNA vaccine for urinary tract infections (UTIs).

UTIs continue to impose a significant health challenge across the world. Recurrent infections are not only painful and debilitating for sufferers, they also greatly increase the risk of dangerous kidney and bloodstream infections. These can be fatal, or lead to chronic kidney or urinary tract diseases.

Each year, millions of people are infected—more than one in two women and one in twenty men likely to have a UTI in their lifetime.

In Australia alone, approximately 250,000 Australians develop a UTI each year, and around 150 million people globally are affected. 

But the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria like Escherichia coli (E.coli) means new solutions are needed to reduce longer courses of treatment and the use of last-resort medications.

“We look forward to advancing this critical research and contributing to the development of effective UTI interventions."—Professor Pall Thordarson, Director of the UNSW RNA Institute.

This new, innovative project employs cutting-edge mRNA technology. A highly effective vaccine can potentially transform both the prevention and treatment of recurrent UTIs—saving time and money for patients and the healthcare system.

The $1.8 million grant is one of several MRFF Global Health grants and is led by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Other partners include the CSIRO, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Biointelect, NSW Health and Starpharma.

The collaborative nature of the project spans research, manufacturing and clinical trials to rapidly progress interventions.   

The project aims to get to clinical trials within the next three years.

More details here.