Pneumococcal disease remains a major global health threat, causing pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. While current pneumococcal vaccines have significantly reduced disease burden, there is still a need for broader, more effective protection. At Abera Bioscience, we are developing an innovative nasal pneumococcal vaccine designed to provide superior mucosal immunity, targeting the body’s first line of defense.
Why Are Nasal Pneumococcal Vaccines Important?
Traditional pneumococcal vaccines rely on injections to induce systemic immunity, primarily activating antibodies in the bloodstream. However, pneumococcal bacteria enter the body through the respiratory tract, making mucosal immunity essential for effective disease prevention.
A nasal pneumococcal vaccine can:
✅ Block infection at the point of entry – preventing bacteria from colonizing the nasal passages
✅ Induce strong mucosal and systemic immunity – offering dual-layer protection
✅ Enhance broad protection – potentially reducing the need for frequent serotype updates
✅ Provide needle-free delivery – improving accessibility and vaccine compliance
Challenges with Current Pneumococcal Vaccines
Existing pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) provide excellent protection but are limited by:
- Serotype dependence – protection is limited to included serotypes, leaving gaps as new strains emerge
- High production costs – making access difficult in low-income regions
- No direct mucosal protection – reducing effectiveness in preventing bacterial colonization
A next-generation nasal pneumococcal vaccine can overcome these limitations by providing serotype-independent immunity and stopping bacterial colonization before infection develops.
Abera Bioscience’s Approach to Nasal Pneumococcal Vaccines
At Abera Bioscience, we leverage our proprietary BERA platform to develop mucosal vaccines that trigger a strong immune response in both mucosal surfaces and the bloodstream. Our pneumococcal vaccine candidate is designed to:
- Target conserved pneumococcal antigens – ensuring broader protection
- Induce robust mucosal immunity – preventing bacterial colonization and transmission
- Enhance vaccine durability – reducing the need for frequent reformulation
By focusing on nasal vaccine delivery, we aim to develop a cost-effective, scalable, and globally accessible pneumococcal vaccine that can significantly reduce the disease burden worldwide.
The Future of Pneumococcal Disease Prevention
Mucosal vaccine technologies are transforming how we approach infectious disease prevention. As pneumococcal infections continue to pose a serious health risk, particularly for children and older adults, nasal pneumococcal vaccines represent a game-changing innovation.
At Abera Bioscience, we are committed to advancing research in nasal vaccines to improve global health. Our work on next-generation pneumococcal vaccines aims to enhance protection, improve accessibility, and strengthen pandemic preparedness.
Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about our research in nasal pneumococcal vaccines, explore our Pneumococcal Vaccine Program or contact us for collaboration opportunities.
