About the Vaccine

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. Na-GST-1 has shown promise as an adult hookworm vaccine and and was manufactured for clinical use in 2009. Clinical testing with Na-GST-1 is scheduled to begin in 2011. Na-APR-1 has also demonstrated unique protection against adult hookworm, and is undergoing process development with clinical testing scheduled to begin in 2012. The human hookworm vaccine under development will ultimately incorporate both the Na-GST-1 and Na-APR-1 in a bivalent vaccine together with an adjuvant.

The hookworm vaccine is being developed and tested and may not be available for widespread use for years. Because hookworm affects only the world’s poorest people, this vaccine does not have a traditional commercial market. As a result, the HHVI partners with vaccine manufacturers, such as Instituto Butantan and national health ministries in endemic and developing countries, to assist with bringing the product to market and develop effective distribution strategies. Partnering countries are not solely defined by their modest economic capacity, but also their capacity to develop, patent, manufacture, regulate, and market new health products and to develop, test, and introduce new health policies that support the products.