Griffith University

A new drug developed by Australian researchers has shown promising results in reducing sepsis in a Phase II clinical trial involving 180 patients. The carbohydrate-based treatment works by calming a dangerous immune reaction that can cause organ failure. With no specific anti-sepsis therapy currently available, the findings mark a major step forward. Researchers now aim to move into Phase III trials.Researchers at Griffith University report encouraging progress toward treating sepsis after a Phase II clinical trial in China produced positive results. The study suggests a new drug candidate may reduce the severity of sepsis, a condition that affects millions of hospitalized patients worldwide each year. The experimental treatment, known as STC3141, is a carbohydrate-based drug developed through a collaboration between Distinguished Professor Mark von Itzstein AO and his team at Griffith's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics and Professor Christopher Parish and his team at The Australian National University. "The trial met the key endpoints to indicate the drug candidate was successful in reducing sepsis in humans," Professor von Itzstein said. How the Drug Works in the Body During the trial, STC3141 was delivered through an infusion using a cannula. The drug was designed to counteract a major biological molecule release that occurs during sepsis, a process that can drive widespread inflammation and organ damage. As a small-molecule experimental therapy, STC3141 may help treat sepsis by reversing damage to organs rather than only managing symptoms. Why Sepsis Remains a Major Medical Challenge Sepsis develops when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection and begins damaging its own tissues and organs. The condition is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. "When sepsis is not recognized early and managed promptly, it can lead to septic shock, multiple organ failure and death," Distinguished Professor von Itzstein said. Trial Details and the Path Forward The Phase II trial was conducted by Grand Pharmaceutical Group Limited (Grand Pharma) and included 180 patients diagnosed with sepsis. Despite its global impact, there is currently no specific anti-sepsis therapy available, making the condition a major unmet medical need. Professor von Itzstein said Grand Pharma now plans to move the treatment into a Phase III trial to further evaluate its effectiveness. "It's hoped we could see the treatment reach the market in a handful years, potentially saving millions of lives," he said. Broader Impact of the Research Professor Paul Clarke, Executive Director of the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, welcomed the results of the trial. "I am thrilled to see the results of the trial which ultimately aims to save lives," Professor Clarke said. "The Institute and its researchers collectively work on translational research to deliver real and immediate impacts both in Australia, and globally to transform lives."

PARIS, France I March 26, 2025 I The US Food and Drug Administration has granted fast track designation to Sanofi’s mRNA vaccine candidate for the prevention of chlamydia infection. The decision was based on the potential of the vaccine candidate to address a serious condition and address an unmet public health need. The chlamydia vaccine candidate has been designed to protect against primary genital tract infection and reinfection by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis . Following a promising pre-clinical program, Sanofi is planning a phase 1/2 randomized, clinical study designed to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the chlamydia vaccine candidate in adults aged 18 to 29 years. The study is due to start in coming days. Jean-François Toussaint Global Head of Vaccines R&D “Millions of people currently live with undiagnosed chlamydia, including asymptomatic infection that can also cause severe long-term health effects if left untreated. Antibiotics to treat chlamydia have not been successful in controlling rising infection rates. With our program we aim to make chlamydia a preventable disease through vaccination.” Chlamydia, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is a common bacterial infection of the reproductive tract with consequences for developing infertility and pregnancy complications. In 2020, there were 129 million worldwide cases of chlamydia among adults (15-49 years old), with the highest rates of infection among adolescents and young adults. Although chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics when diagnosed, over 80% of chlamydia cases are asymptomatic, meaning there is a significant risk that infections go unrecognized, leading to untreated cases and unintentional transmission. Programs that have been put in place to prevent infection rates from rising have proven insufficient, highlighting the urgent public health need for a vaccine. The development of this vaccine candidate is part of the Translational Science Hub, a partnership with the Queensland Government, Griffith University, and the University of Queensland, connecting world-class researchers in Queensland, Australia, with Sanofi scientists in France and the US. About Sanofi We are an innovative global healthcare company, driven by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. Our team, across the world, is dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine by working to turn the impossible into the possible. We provide potentially life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people globally, while putting sustainability and social responsibility at the center of our ambitions. SOURCE: Sanofi

Paris: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to Sanofi ’s mRNA vaccine candidate for the prevention of chlamydia infection , addressing a critical public health need for which no licensed vaccine currently exists. The investigational vaccine is designed to protect against primary genital tract infection and reinfection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and has undergone a preclinical program. The vaccine development program is part of the Translational Science Hub (TSH), a partnership with the Queensland Government, Griffith University, and the University of Queensland. This initiative connects world-class researchers in Queensland, Australia, with Sanofi scientists in France and the U.S. “Millions of people currently live with undiagnosed chlamydia, including asymptomatic infections that can cause severe long-term health effects if left untreated. Antibiotics have not been successful in controlling rising infection rates. With our program, we aim to make chlamydia a preventable disease through vaccination,” said Jean-François Toussaint, Global Head of Vaccines R&D at Sanofi. In the coming days, the French drugmaker plans to initiate a Phase 1/2 randomized clinical study to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the chlamydia vaccine candidate in adults aged 18 to 29 years. Chlamydia, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, is a common bacterial infection of the reproductive tract and can lead to infertility and pregnancy complications. According to the company, in 2020, there were 129 million cases of chlamydia worldwide among adults aged 15–49 years, with the highest infection rates reported among adolescents and young adults. Although Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics, asymptomatic individuals—who account for over 80 per cent of total cases—remain at risk of undertreatment or unintentional transmission. By Online Bureau ,