Zendal and IAVI to Advance Tuberculosis Vaccine Candidate into Efficacy Trials

In a July 14, 2021 press release, Biofabri and IAVI announced their partnership on efficacy trials of the tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate MTBVAC. MTBVAC is manufactured and developed by Biofabri, a subsidiary of the Zendal Group, in collaboration with University of Zaragoza, IAVI, and the Europe-based Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative.

To date, Bacille Calmette-Guérin is the only TB vaccine available; it does not prevent primary infection and has limited effectiveness at preventing pulmonary TB in adults.

The Phase II trial of MTBVAC is expected to be completed in 2021. If it is found to be safe and efficacious, MTBVAC will be manufactured and supplied in partnership by Biofabri and IAVI to neonates, infants, adolescents, and adults. The intention is for MTBVAC to be accessible at affordable prices in low- and middle-income countries.