Turning the Tide: New Infant Vaccine Trial Targets Deadly Shigella

Valneva SE and LimmaTech Biologics have reached a promising milestone in global health, announcing the first infant has been vaccinated in a Phase 2 trial for their Shigella4V2 (S4V2) vaccine. This groundbreaking candidate is the world’s most clinically advanced tetravalent bioconjugate vaccine targeting shigellosis—a leading cause of fatal diarrhoea in young children. The trial, conducted in Kenya and backed by the Gates Foundation, aims to assess safety and immune response in 110 nine-month-old infants. Findings from the study are expected in late 2025, potentially setting the stage for a pivotal Phase 3 trial.

Dr Juan Carlos, Chief Medical Officer at Valneva, emphasized the urgency of developing a Shigella vaccine, calling pediatric deaths from this preventable disease “unacceptable”. With nearly 62 million annual infections affecting children under five, this initiative aligns closely with WHO’s prioritization of Shigella prevention. The vaccine offers a ray of hope for communities where access to clean water and healthcare remains limited—turning science into life-saving impact for the world’s most vulnerable.