A global network of over 1,600 researchers, industry partners, and policymakers from 83 countries is working to speed up the development of vaccines against bacterial infections. This matters because bacterial infections kill millions of people each year, and the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is making standard antibiotics less effective. Vaccines can prevent infections before they start, reducing both disease and the need for antibiotics. The network, called BactiVac, was launched in 2017 and has already funded collaborative projects that attracted more than five times their original investment in follow-on funding. In Phase 2, the network will expand its reach by funding more catalyst projects, hosting annual meetings, and offering training exchanges. It will also strengthen ties with industry and other organisations working on similar goals. If successful, BactiVac could become a central hub that connects vaccine developers, funders, and manufacturers across high-income and low- and middle-income countries. This would help translate fundamental science into real-world vaccines more efficiently, potentially preventing outbreaks and slowing the spread of drug-resistant bacteria.
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"BactiVac was established in 2017 with a mission to advance vaccine development against bacterial infections of global significance to reduce disease, death, and antimicrobial resistance, and enhance economic development. We have brought together academia, industry, policymakers and funders from high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in a network of over 1,600 members from 83 countries, with 49% of membership from LMICs. We have supported member collaborations in vaccine development through Catalyst Project Awards which have leveraged 545% of follow-on funding. We have delivered key trainings and supported Catalyst Training Awards that facilitate specific training exchanges. Annual Network Meetings have brought the Network membership together and we have advocated for bacterial vaccines at all available opportunities. The goal of BactiVac Phase 2 is to enhance Network impact. This will be achieved through building on the successes of Phase 1 with further Catalyst Project Awards, Annual Network Meetings and Catalyst Training Awards. As an established network, we will expand advocacy initiatives and improve communications through development and delivery of rich and engaging media content. Network growth will focus on increasing industry interactions and strengthening links to organisations with aligned missions. This will enable BactiVac to become a network within a highly functioning network of networks, promoting bacterial vaccines."
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