Shigella Vaccine
Shigella infections currently cause an estimated 600,000 deaths per year mainly in developing countries. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there are an estimated 440,000 cases of shigellosis in the United States each year(1). Groups at increased risk include children in childcare settings and their contacts and international travelers(1).
 A vaccine to prevent Shigella infections in infants and travelers was among 26 vaccines of domestic importance identified by the Institute of Medicine(2). Three populations in the US and the developed world that would benefit from receiving a Shigella vaccine include infants and young children, especially those in childcare settings, travelers to shigellosis endemic areas and the military.
Aridis has been selected as exclusive licensee by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for a vaccine for protection against Shigella and infections. Aridis will develop the vaccine with its own stabilization technology and a simple to administer oral delivery system that assures full dose receipt of the vaccine.
(1) Mead et al., Emerg. Infect. Dis. 1999; 5:607-25.
(2) Stratton, K.R., Durch, J.S., Lawrence, R.S., eds., (2001) Vaccines For the 21st Cent: A Tool for Decision-making, IOM, Nat'l. Acad. Press, Wash., D.C.
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