Maxvax Biotechnology LLC (USA) recently announced that it has received funds from the Gates Foundation to support the development of its recombinant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) maternal vaccine candidate.

The funding will support a Phase 1 clinical trial, an important first step on the road to understanding how the vaccine candidate performs in people. Currently there is only one maternal RSV vaccine licensed for use globally. The new Maxvax candidate evaluates a fully liquid formulation to simplify vaccine delivery and utilizes a manufacturing process designed to be affordable for low- and middle-income countries. Maxvax’s efforts to deliver innovative and affordable vaccine products worldwideand contribute to the advancement of global public health will be further strengthened with this funding.

RSV is one of the leading causes of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. World Health Organization data show that RSV causes approximately 33 million infections annually among children under five years of age, resulting in 3.6 million hospitalizations and 100,000 deaths. About half of these deaths occur in infants under six months of age. Importantly, 97% of pediatric RSV mortality occurs in low- and middle-income countries.

Maxvax is developing a recombinant RSV maternal vaccine designed for maternal immunization. By vaccinating pregnant women, maternal antibodies can be transferred through the placenta to the infant, providing protection during the critical early months after birth when infants are at highest risk.

The company will conduct a Phase 1 clinical trial in non-pregnant healthy adults to evaluate the vaccine’s safety and ability to elicit an immune response. This program will expand Maxvax’s maternal vaccine pipeline to potentially offer an accessible, affordable solution to reduce the risk and severity of RSV infection in newborns—particularly benefiting low- and middle-income countries and supporting global maternal and child health.

About Maxvax

Maxvax is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative vaccines and novel adjuvants. Guided by the values of Integrity, Innovation, Collaboration, and Global Service, Maxvax is committed to addressing major public health challenges and delivering effective solutions for the prevention and control of infectious diseases.

The company focuses on both human and veterinary (including companion animal) vaccines and has built strong technology platforms in novel adjuvants, recombinant proteins, and immune evaluation. Leveraging these strengths, Maxvax has established a robust pipeline of breakthrough vaccines targeting infectious, allergic, and oncological diseases—three of which have already entered clinical development.