Diphtheria, a potentially life-threatening infection, is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Our company is at the forefront of diphtheria vaccine and therapeutic development, leveraging cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art facilities to deliver innovative solutions to pharmaceutical companies around the world.
Overview of Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a severe and potentially life-threatening infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. While many infections are asymptomatic or exhibit mild symptoms, the disease can be highly lethal, with mortality rates reaching up to 10% in severe cases. The primary mode of transmission is through direct contact, airborne routes, and contact with contaminated objects, making it a persistent public health concern, particularly in developing regions like sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Indonesia.
Fig. 1 Schematic representation of diphtheria toxin. (Shafiee F., et al., 2019)
Vaccine Development for Diphtheria
The standard approach for diphtheria prevention involves a primary series of three doses of diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccines, typically administered alongside other routine childhood immunizations, such as tetanus and pertussis. Building upon the foundation of the primary series, booster doses of diphtheria-containing vaccines play a crucial role in maintaining long-term immunity.
Recognizing the importance of reaching unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals, researchers have also focused on developing catch-up vaccination strategies. These efforts ensure that those who missed the primary series or booster doses can receive the full protective regimen, regardless of their age, to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks.
Therapeutics Development for Diphtheria
Diphtheria antitoxin, derived from the serum of animals immunized against the diphtheria toxin, is used to neutralize free toxins in the body. This therapy is critical in severe cases and must be administered promptly based on clinical diagnosis. Moreover, antibiotics such as erythromycin, procaine penicillin G, and alternatives like rifampin or clindamycin are used to eradicate C. diphtheriae and prevent its transmission. While antibiotics do not affect the toxin already bound to tissues, they play a vital role in infection control.
We are committed to advancing diphtheria therapies, including the development of new antitoxins and antibiotics with improved pharmacokinetics and reduced resistance potential. Please click on the link below to learn more about our one-stop therapy development solutions.
Our Services
With our extensive expertise in the field, our company excels in delivering tailored solutions for diphtheria vaccine and therapy development. We pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of services that cater to the unique requirements of our esteemed clientele.
Disease Models
- Transgenic Mice Expressing the Diphtheria Toxin Receptor (DTR)
- Mouse Infection Models
- Guinea Pig Infection Models
- Others
Our company continues to innovate in the development of diphtheria vaccines and therapies, ensuring that we remain vigilant against this infectious disease. Through our preclinical research services, we uphold the highest standards of safety and efficacy, paving the way for the next generation of diphtheria prevention and treatment strategies. If our services have piqued your interest, we warmly welcome you to reach out to us for further information and to obtain a detailed quotation for the services you require.
References
- Shafiee F., Marc G. Aucoin, and Ali Jahanian-Najafabadi. "Targeted diphtheria toxin-based therapy: a review article." Frontiers in microbiology 10 (2019): 2340.
- World Health Organization. "Diphtheria vaccine: WHO position paper, August 2017–Recommendations." Vaccine 36.2 (2018): 199-201.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
