This technology is a DNA molecule vaccine with a nucleotide sequence that encodes the receptor-binding domain of Clostridium difficile toxin A that generates antibodies to this toxin in mammals.
Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that can cause diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis, sepsis, and death. Progression from colonization to infection and disease reflects a failure to mount an effective antibody response against the toxins released by the bacterium. Current treatments for C. difficile-associated diseases include terminating the original antibiotic treatment and administering either metronidazole or vancomycin, both of which have disadvantages. Vancomycin, approved by the FDA, is associated with selection of resistant gram-positive pathogens. Metronidazole is less effective for severe disease. Neither agent prevents the relapse of C difficile infection after termination of treatment.
This technology describes a DNA molecule vaccine with a nucleotide sequence that encodes the receptor-binding domain of the Clostridium difficile toxin A. Administration of the vaccine generates antibodies to the C. difficile toxin A in mammals, thus reducing the risk of C. difficile-associated diseases. The vaccine can be administered several ways, including intramuscularly, by in vivo electroporation, by a DNA biojector, or by a gene gun.
IR CU22362
Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman