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Biotherapeutics

Vaginal live biotherapeutics for sexual and reproductive health

Bacterial vaginosis is a highly prevalent imbalance in the vaginal microbiome that increases risk of HIV acquisition and adverse birth outcomes. Bacterial vaginosis remains prevalent partly because existing treatment has limited efficacy. We aim to address this healthcare gap by developing more effective therapeutics to improve treatment outcomes.

Objective

To develop live biotherapeutics for bacterial vaginosis treatment in different populations.

Timeline

2016–ongoing.

Community impact

A key barrier to improving sexual and reproductive health is the lack of effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis and the adverse outcomes that this condition causes are associated with significant morbidity, mortality and social and economic costs.

Developing effective treatment options would improve the quality of life of women who have recurrent bacterial vaginosis and has the potential to reduce the rates of infertility, acquisition of sexually transmissible infections including HIV, spontaneous preterm birth, and other adverse birth outcomes. 

Partners

Funding partners

  • ACH4
  • Medical Research Council, South Africa
  • National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia

Collaborators

  • University of Cape Town, South Africa
  • Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, South Africa
  • Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia

Project contacts

Main contact

Dr Lindi Masson

Dr Lindi Masson

Deputy Program Director, Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health; Head, HIV, Inflammation and the Microbiome
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Project team

Dr Lindi Masson

Dr Lindi Masson

Deputy Program Director, Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health; Head, HIV, Inflammation and the Microbiome
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Sarah Amir Hamzah

Sarah Amir Hamzah

Research Assistant
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Jenna Wilson

Jenna Wilson

Research Assistant
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