A new vaccine to prevent Klebsiella pneumoniae infections
Official title: A multivalent O-antigen bioconjugate vaccine for the prevention of Klebsiella pneumoniae infections
Funded at Vaxnewmo, LLC · NIH-11173712 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This effort is developing a multivalent vaccine to protect people from serious Klebsiella pneumoniae infections, including antibiotic-resistant strains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vaxnewmo, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $999,717 |
| NIH project number | 5R42AI165116-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11173712 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People at higher risk for Klebsiella infection—such as hospitalized patients, those in long-term care, or individuals with weakened immune systems—would be the likely candidates for vaccination in future trials.
✕Less likely to help
People who are currently infected with Klebsiella would not gain direct benefit from a preventive vaccine.
What this research studies
Researchers are building a vaccine that combines several O-antigens from common Klebsiella strains and uses a bioconjugation method to attach bacterial sugars to carrier proteins inside bacteria. This manufacturing approach aims to be simpler and more consistent than traditional chemical conjugation. The team is testing the vaccine in laboratory and animal models to measure antibody responses and protection against drug-resistant Klebsiella. Successful preclinical results would support future clinical trials in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could prevent severe and drug-resistant Klebsiella infections and reduce hospitalizations and antibiotic use.
How similar studies have gone: Conjugate vaccines have been highly effective for other bacteria, and bioconjugation is a newer manufacturing approach with promising preclinical data though limited clinical history to date.
Where this research is happening
-
Vaxnewmo, LLC
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harding, Christian — Vaxnewmo, LLC
- Study coordinator: Harding, Christian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.