The Human Hookworm Vaccine will be bivalent, consisting of 2 antigens.  One will help the immune system target larval stage hookworm parasites, while the other will target adult hookworm.  The Human Hookworm Vaccine Initiative (HHVI) has identified and produced several candidates for potential use in the Human Hookworm Vaccine.   

Na-ASP-2 is a promising antigen against larval hookworm. It is currently being clinically evaluated, and the production processes are being transferred to a Brazilian laboratory.  Immunization with the Na-ASP-2 antigen is intended to reduce the rate of larval migration to the tissue.  A safety trial was conducted in the U.S. in 2006, and further trials will be taking place in Brazil in the near future.  If the clinical trials show that this antigen is safe and helps the immune system, Na-ASP-2 will be one of the two antigens in the Human Hookworm Vaccine. 

Additional antigens are also being developed to help the immune system fight adult hookworm parasites.  If a second product is found that is safe and effective, it will be combined with the antigen for larval hookworm and tested as a single vaccine.

The Human Hookworm Vaccine is currently being developed and tested, and may not be available for widespread use for years.  This vaccine does not have a widespread commercial market, so HHVI has partnered with vaccine manufacturers and national health ministries in innovative developing countries.  These countries are defined by their modest economic capacity, but also their capacity to develop, patent, manufacture, ensure safety, market new health products and to develop, test, and introduce new health policies that support the products.