A vaccine candidate developed by University of Georgia researchers could protect against more than 80 percent of fungal infections as antifungal drug resistance grows.
The experimental vaccine has not yet undergone human clinical trials, but in four preclinical animal trials, the pan-fungal vaccine led to the development of antibodies. The research team is planning a phase 1 human study, according to a Jan. 31 report from the Athens, Ga.-based university.
Zero approved fungal vaccines exist even though fungal infections kill 1.5 million people every year and double hospitalization costs, the university said.
"Because it targets three different pathogens, the vaccine has the potential to be groundbreaking regarding invasive fungal infections," Karen Norris, PhD, the lead investigator, said. "We believe this is a very strong vaccine candidate."