Scientists have unveiled a pineapple-flavored oral spray vaccine demonstrating remarkable efficacy in preventing UTIs for up to nine years.
'Victoria' ananas are pictured at the fruit and vegetable department of an 'O Marche' supermarket in Saint-Francois, on the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe on April 11, 2018. (Photo: HELENE VALENZUELA/AFP via Getty Images)
Preventing UTI for Years
A groundbreaking discovery in the fight against Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) emerged from the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress held in Paris on April 7, published in SciMex.
The breakthrough results from a comprehensive study conducted by clinicians at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in the United Kingdom. The study involved 89 patients—both men and women—prone to UTIs. The study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of the newly developed oral spray vaccine MV140 (Uramune) in mitigating the recurrence of UTIs.
According to researchers, the results are promising, with more than half of the participants experiencing prevention of UTIs over the nine-year period. This innovative vaccine offers hope for millions suffering from UTIs' persistent and often debilitating effects, potentially revolutionizing preventive measures against this common ailment.
The groundbreaking vaccine uramune has made its debut in the Australian market. This innovative vaccine is composed of a suspension containing four distinct bacterial species blended with pineapple-flavored water. According to medical recommendations, individuals are advised to administer two sprays under the tongue daily for a duration of three months.
Spanning for nine years, researchers closely monitored the participants who received the initial treatment. The findings revealed that 54 percent of the study's subjects remained free from UTIs, with no significant adverse effects reported during the observation period. The development of Uramune is credited to Immunotek, a prominent pharmaceutical company based in Spain.
Dr. Bob Yang, a consultant urologist at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and one of the research leaders, noted the significant challenge participants faced with recurrent UTIs prior to vaccination, particularly among women.
Following the initial administration of the novel UTI vaccine, approximately half of the individuals enrolled in the study continued to remain free from infections.
Demonstrating Long-Term Safety
In an overall assessment, researchers concluded that the vaccine demonstrates long-term safety. Participants reported a reduction in both the frequency and severity of UTIs. Additionally, some individuals found that increasing water intake alone effectively managed the condition.
Gernot Bonkat, a professor of urology at the Alta Uro Medical Centre for Urology in Switzerland, expressed optimism about the findings, citing the significant economic burden of recurrent UTIs and the risks associated with overusing antibiotics.
The recent follow-up study provides promising insights into the long-term safety and efficacy of the MV140 vaccine. The research team acknowledges the necessity for further investigations, particularly into more complex UTIs, and intends to explore different patient groups to optimize the vaccine's usage.
The goal is to refine the vaccine administration based on empirical data and clinical observations. The researchers underscore the potential significance of the vaccine as a breakthrough in UTI prevention, offering a safe and viable alternative to conventional treatment methods.
