By OBAKENG MAJE
In an intriguing joint announcement, the Walter Sisulu and North West universities unveiled the astounding results of their pre-clinical trials for a ground-breaking combination vaccine against Tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19.
The universities reported an unprecedented 100% protection in vaccinated animals – a significant step forward in the unrelenting battle against tuberculosis, one of the world’s most devastating diseases.
A global Biotech and Pharmaceutical expert and Project Manager of the South African Vaccine Platform for Infectious Diseases (SAVAC), Prof Anne Grobler said: “TB is not just a local problem. It is the leading cause of death in South Africa and many other countries. This is the SAVAC initiative for both universities, which successfully commercialised another home-grown technology in bio-agriculture on an international scale.
“To imagine we might be on the brink of defeating this insidious disease is truly electrifying. The Walter Sisulu University Medical School, whose research is informed by essential national health priorities, collaborated with the North West University, a trailblazer in drug development and research, on this project,” she said.
Grobler further said that, initiated eighteen months ago, their collaborative research was also bolstered by a CHIETA (the Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority) grant. She added that at the forefront of this multi-purpose vaccine development is the esteemed Prof Markus Depfenhart, the inventor and driving force behind the concept and development of the vaccine.
Last year, Depfenhart, who holds extraordinary appointments as a professor at both universities, was honoured with a Walter Sisulu University honorary doctorate for his pioneering work in vaccine and gene therapy in Africa.
Reflecting on the revolutionary nature of this vaccine, Depfenhart said: “The DNA vaccines have incredible potential due to their stability and adaptability. By marrying their strengths with the high efficacy of mRNA vaccines, we are breaking new ground. This union brings out the best of both worlds and could herald a pivotal shift, especially for regions like Africa.
“The results from three different immunogenicity studies in two animal models led to, and justified the performance of an effectivity study in an animal model that mimics tuberculosis in humans.”
He said the key deliverable of the study, which was carried out at the high-security Biosafety Laboratory (BSL3) of the preclinical imaging facility of the South African Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (SANuMeRI) housed at NECSA (South African Nuclear Energy Corporation), was survival.
Depfenhart said indeed, that the study showcased a 100% protection rate for the vaccinated animal subjects, a feat not previously described in the literature. He lauded the NECSA team for declaring: “The dedication and sacrifices made by the NECSA team during this intense study period were invaluable.”
“A standout feature of this vaccine is its unique ability to mirror bacterial protein production, potentially bypassing certain human protein modifications. This ensures that the immune system is introduced to the most authentic version of the antigen, essentially acquainting it with the true enemy.
“When confronted with a real infection, the immune system can then respond more swiftly and effectively. This novel approach, developed by me, could be ground-breaking and may well explain the vaccine’s notable efficacy against TB,” said Depfenhart.
He said with such remarkable results, the next step is to move swiftly into human trials. Depfenhart said preparations for discussions with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) are underway to determine the requisite standards and protocols.
Meanwhile, the Walter Sisulu University Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Rushiella Songca encapsulated the prevailing optimism. Songca said they are not merely talking about another vaccine, but this is a beacon of hope.
“Given TB’s unyielding onslaught over the years, standing on the precipice of a tangible solution is epoch-making. Through this venture, our scientific community is signalling that no challenge is insurmountable,” she said.
Elaborating on the collaborative spirit of the initiative, North West University (NWU) Executive Dean of Health Sciences, Prof Awie Kotze, extended his profound gratitude to Depfenhart, Grobler, and the entire collaborative team.
The Guardian 