Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognised as one of the most critical threats to global public health. Klebsiella pneumoniae is among the most concerning pathogens due to its high resistance to antibiotics and its association with severe hospital-acquired infections. The increasing prevalence of resistant strains is driving higher mortality rates, longer hospital stays and a growing economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. There is therefore an urgent need for innovative preventive solutions that go beyond conventional antibiotic treatments.
The K VAX project addresses this challenge by developing a novel vaccine candidate targeting Klebsiella pneumoniae, with the objective of preventing infections in high-risk populations. By focusing on prevention rather than treatment, the project aims to reduce infection rates, limit antibiotic use and contribute to mitigating the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
The overall objective of the project is to advance the K VAX vaccine candidate from preclinical development to clinical validation in humans, generating the scientific, technical and regulatory evidence required to support its safety, immunogenicity and potential efficacy. This includes the preparation and execution of early-stage clinical trials (Phase 1/2), which represent a critical step towards real-world application.
The project is implemented within a highly regulated biomedical framework, requiring close interaction with regulatory authorities and compliance with strict validation standards. Its development pathway combines scientific research, clinical planning and regulatory alignment, ensuring readiness for clinical use and future market access.
Beyond its technical objectives, the project contributes to broader European and global health strategies addressing antimicrobial resistance. By providing a preventive solution to a major unmet medical need, it is expected to:
• reduce the incidence of antibiotic-resistant infections,
• decrease healthcare costs associated with hospitalisation and treatment,
• and support the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems.
From a pathway-to-impact perspective, the project is linked to a long-term deployment strategy based on partnerships with pharmaceutical companies following successful clinical validation, enabling large-scale access to the vaccine.
The K VAX project represents a high-impact innovation initiative with the potential to contribute significantly to the fight against antimicrobial resistance and to improve public health outcomes worldwide.
