Paris, France – A groundbreaking vaccine has emerged as a potential substitute for antibiotics in treating recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Recent findings unveiled at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Paris showcased the remarkable efficacy of the MV140 vaccine, which has successfully prevented UTIs for up to 9 years in 54% of individuals who received the oral spray-based immunization.
Dr. Bob Yang, a Consultant Urologist at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the significance of the vaccine in addressing the challenges faced by individuals suffering from recurrent UTIs. The vaccine, which consists of inactivated whole bacteria from four major species responsible for UTIs, demonstrated remarkable safety and effectiveness in the long term. Participants reported experiencing fewer and less severe UTIs, with some cases being easily managed by increased water intake alone.
Administered through two sprays of a pineapple-flavored liquid under the tongue daily for 3 months, the MV140 vaccine has shown promising results in combating UTIs. Initial trials conducted at The Urology Partnership Reading in the UK involving 89 patients revealed interim results in 2017, shedding light on the vaccine’s efficacy.
The latest data revealed an average infection-free period of 54.7 months, with women experiencing 56.7 months of UTI-free intervals compared to 44.3 months for men. Dr. Yang emphasized the ease of administering the vaccine, suggesting that general practitioners could administer it as a 3-month course, restoring the quality of life for many participants.
Professor Gernot Bonkat, a leading figure in Urology and Chairman of the EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections, applauded the findings, highlighting the potential of the MV140 vaccine to reduce the economic burden of recurrent UTIs and combat antibiotic resistance. Further research is essential to explore the vaccine’s effectiveness in diverse patient groups and optimize its usage for UTI prevention.
The long-term safety and effectiveness of the MV140 vaccine signify a promising shift in combating recurrent UTIs without relying heavily on antibiotics. The vaccine’s success in preventing UTIs for extended periods offers hope for a transformative approach to UTI prevention, paving the way for a reduced dependency on antibiotic treatments in the future.