Strep A is a type of bacteria that can infect people of all ages, but is particularly common in children. It causes sore throat and skin infections. In most of the developed world these infections can easily be treated with a simple course of antibiotics.
However, for those who do not have ready access to adequate housing, health care or the right antibiotics, frequent and untreated Strep A infections can trigger an immune reaction that causes the body to attack its own tissues, inflaming and scarring the heart valves in the process. This is referred to as rheumatic fever. The inflammation and scarring of heart valves caused by rheumatic fever can result in rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a debilitating chronic heart condition for which there is no cure.
In 2018, the World Health Assembly called for the World Health Organisation to launch a coordinated global response to rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. In 2024 Strep A was identified as one of the top four priorities for disease control globally.
RHD is the most common type of acquired heart disease in those aged under 25, affecting an estimated 55 million people worldwide and claiming approximately 360,000 lives annually. In African countries, it is one of the top causes of cardiovascular disease, and many of those affected will not live past 30 years of age.
First Nations people in Australia have one of the highest recorded rates of ARF and RHD in the world, reported to be as much as 61 times higher than the general Australian population. The risk of death from RHD amongst Australian First Nations people is 20 times higher than for a non-indigenous patient. In the Northern Territory, the risk of death from RHD jumps to 50 times greater. Between 2012 – 2021, the rates of RHD in Australia rose by 50%.
While social determinants of health contribute strongly to disease management and control, the development of an effective vaccine is a high priority.
Thanks to support from international organisations Leducq Foundation and Open Philanthropy over the last 2 years, Professor Mark Walker and his group have made substantial progress in their quest to develop an effective and safe vaccine for Strep A.
Investment from the Leducq Foundation in late 2022 created a network of researchers focused on mRNA vaccines for Strep A. Then in 2023, support from Open Philanthropy allowed the team to dramatically accelerate work using purified proteins formulated with novel adjuvants.
After working on the project for nearly a decade, this visionary support has transformed the landscape for IMB researchers.
Dr Johanna Richter, a post-doctoral researcher in the Walker Group, shared that ‘Open Philanthropy wants to see our work succeed. Through their generosity, openness and willingness to work flexibly, we have been able to make significant advances.’
The team estimates that their vaccine will be ready for clinical trials in approximately 2 years. Philanthropic support has expanded their capacity for testing vaccine safety and efficacy, allowing the team to refine techniques before clinical trials.
Both Leducq Foundation and Open Philanthropy have actively cultivated a global community of practice. For several decades, research into strep A vaccines was neglected and underfunded. The field has never been stronger than it is now, and new research collaborations are emerging as a result of these knowledge networks.
Often challenges like RHD can seem insurmountable, but it is truly inspiring to see how quickly progress can be made with the right support.
