The Human Hookworm Vaccine Initiative (HHVI) has identified and produced several candidates for potential use as a vaccine. Currently, two lead candidate antigens are being developed to stimulate the human immune system to produce antibodies that inhibit parasite blood feeding. Phase 1 clinical testing of the Na-GST-1 hookworm vaccine, began in January 2012. Currently clinical trials are being carried out in Minas Gerais, Brazil and Washington, DC.

The development of a successful vaccine is a significant undertaking that takes years to achieve. The Sabin Vaccine Institute Product Development Partnership (PDP) is internationally recognized for its development of safe, effective vaccines against tropical infections including human hookworm, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and SARS. Sabin PDP esteemed partners include:

With over a decade of experience, Sabin PDP has produced a well-rounded model that serves as a blueprint for the development of safe and effective vaccines against vaccine preventable and neglected tropical diseases. Existing capabilities include:

Product Development: Established the infrastructure to engage in antigen discovery, rapid development of scalable manufacturing processes (process development), quality control, preclinical and clinical immunology and stability testing.

The Sabin Vaccine Institute PDP works on developing vaccines for the more than 700 million people suffering from hookworm in the world today. Established in 2000 with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Sabin PDP (originally the Human Hookworm Vaccine Initiative) is the first and only PDP in the world developing a vaccine for human hookworm infection.

The Sabin PDP is focused on the development of sustainable and cost-effective vaccines for preventing widespread neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including hookworm, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis.