Experimental vaccine shows promise against dangerous intestinal illness

Scientists recently developed a technology targeting enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a bacterium responsible for millions of diarrheal illnesses each year.

The technology has now been licensed to French vaccine manufacturer Valneva for further development.

The findings come after decades of research led by scientists at the University of Bergen and the Norwegian Research Center (NORCE).

The researchers focused on a toxin produced by ETEC that has long been considered one of the biggest obstacles to vaccine development.

James Fleckenstein, MD, a professor of medicine and molecular microbiology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said the findings represent a promising step.

If the vaccine eventually reaches patients, researchers hope it could help protect children against some of the most severe forms of diarrheal disease caused by ETEC.

The research did have some limitations, the researchers noted.

The technology is still in development and has not yet been tested as an approved vaccine among the public.

While the licensing agreement allows Valneva to continue advancing the research, additional laboratory studies, clinical trials and regulatory review will be required before the vaccine becomes available.