Novel Human Rotavirus Vaccine CDC-6 Strain for Impacted Subgroup, the Lewis Negative Population

Rotaviral infection is the most common gastrointestinal illness of children in the world, affecting both developed and developing economies. There is no specific drug treatment for rotavirus infection. Vaccination and good hygiene are key to prevention.

Approximately 5-10% of the world's population are Lewis histoblood group antigen negative, that percentage is as high as 30% in some African countries. Despite vaccination, the Lewis negative population show a disproportionate prevalence and recurrence of rotavirus infection. However, initial studies have shown that infection with a rotavirus G9P[6] strain may provide improved protection within this group. Inventors have isolated a human rotavirus G9P[6] strain, designated CDC-6, that grows to a high titer with a stable outer structure, making it an ideal vaccine candidate strain. The CDC-6 strain possesses favorable virological and molecular features and may serve as a promising candidate for a new live oral or an inactivated rotavirus vaccine. CDC seeks partners to jointly develop this technology in pre-clinical and clinical testing.