In a major stride toward combating antimicrobial resistance and severe bacterial infections, Bharat Biotech has entered into a strategic partnership with British pharmaceutical giant GSK plc to co-develop a pioneering vaccine for Shigellosis. The candidate, known as altSonflex1-2-3, is among the most advanced globally and is being developed using GSK’s cutting-edge GMMA platform. Bharat Biotech will oversee Phase 3 clinical trials, regulatory progression, and commercial-scale production. With no licensed vaccine for Shigellosis currently available, this collaboration is poised to address an urgent global health need, particularly in low- and middle-income countries disproportionately affected by the disease.
A Strategic Alliance Targeting a Global Health Crisis
Bharat Biotech, a leader in vaccine innovation, announced a significant partnership with GSK plc to develop a next-generation vaccine targeting Shigella, a bacterial pathogen responsible for millions of cases of severe diarrhoea annually, particularly in children under five in developing nations. The collaboration comes at a crucial time, as antimicrobial resistance increasingly undermines the effectiveness of traditional treatments.
The altSonflex1-2-3 vaccine candidate, originally developed by GSK, stands at the forefront of Shigella research. Its advancement through this partnership reflects a shared commitment to public health, especially in underserved regions.
Vaccine Innovation: altSonflex1-2-3 and the GMMA Platform
The vaccine candidate utilizes the Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens (GMMA) platform—an innovative, scalable, and cost-effective technology designed for high immunogenicity and broad serotype coverage. This makes the candidate especially suited for deployment in settings where Shigellosis is endemic and treatment options are constrained by rising antibiotic resistance.
Unlike conventional vaccine approaches, GMMA-based vaccines mimic natural bacterial outer membranes, enabling a strong immune response while being simpler to manufacture—an essential factor for global accessibility.
Division of Responsibilities: Bharat Biotech and GSK
Under the terms of the agreement, Bharat Biotech will lead the vaccine’s clinical and regulatory development, beginning with Phase 3 trials, followed by large-scale manufacturing. Known for its global manufacturing capabilities and successful rollout of the Covaxin COVID-19 vaccine, Bharat Biotech is well-positioned to scale production and ensure wide-reaching distribution.
GSK, meanwhile, will continue its involvement by supporting trial design, helping secure external funding, and contributing to commercialization strategies through its global health networks. The company also plans to assist in crafting access and delivery plans aimed at equitable distribution once the vaccine is approved.
Addressing an Unmet Medical Need
Shigellosis, a diarrhoeal disease caused by Shigella bacteria, affects over 125 million people annually and contributes to significant mortality in children in lower-income countries. The pathogen has also become increasingly resistant to frontline antibiotics, making a preventive vaccine an urgent priority for global health agencies.
Dr. Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:
“With no approved vaccine currently available and antimicrobial resistance on the rise, there is an urgent need for scalable, science-backed solutions focused on low and middle-income countries.”
Thomas Breuer, Chief Global Health Officer at GSK, echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership blends scientific rigor with manufacturing scalability:
“This agreement allows us to combine our strengths in science, research, and technology with Bharat Biotech’s capacity to develop and deliver vaccines at scale, potentially preventing illness and saving lives around the world.”
Global Implications and Future Outlook
The Bharat Biotech-GSK alliance is emblematic of a growing trend in global health—strategic partnerships that leverage multinational expertise to tackle neglected diseases. If successful, altSonflex1-2-3 could become the first licensed vaccine for Shigella, with transformative impact across health systems in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
With clinical trials and regulatory milestones ahead, the vaccine's progress will be closely watched by global health institutions, funding bodies, and governments alike. Its success could also serve as a model for future collaborations aimed at addressing antimicrobial resistance and neglected tropical diseases.
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