Highly Effective Monoclonal Antibodies for Gonorrhea Treatment

Description

This technology is a series of novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) developed to specifically block the growth of N. gonorrhoeae. In preclinical studies, select mAbs not only reduced clinical symptoms and bacterial load in mice but also conferred cross-protection against invasive Neisseria meningitidis (Nme) infection. These findings support the potential of the mAbs as both a targeted therapeutic and a broad-spectrum preventive strategy against Neisseria infections.

Gonorrhea remains a major public health challenge, with approximately 1.5 million cases reported annually in the U.S., making it the second most commonly reported bacterial communicable disease. Over time, N. gonorrhoeae has progressively acquired resistance to every class of antibiotics used against it, significantly narrowing treatment options. As gonorrhea becomes harder to treat with existing drugs, there’s an urgent need for innovative therapies that go beyond antibiotics, like monoclonal antibodies.

Benefits

Targeted Treatment: These mAbs directly inhibit the growth of N. gonorrhoeae, offering a targeted therapeutic strategy to reduce bacterial burden.
Improved Clinical Outcomes: In mouse models, these mAbs led to prolonged survival, reduced clinical scores, and rapid resolution of bacteremia following infection.
Cross-Protection: Some of these mAbs also provide cross-protective immunity against N. meningitidis, opening doors to broader application and dual-disease prevention.