The development of vaccines and therapeutics for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a deep understanding of virology and immunology. Our company is committed to advancing the fight against HFMD through innovative vaccine and therapeutic development services, ensuring we remain at the forefront of this field.
Overview of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral illness predominantly affecting infants and children under the age of five. Characterized by fever and a distinctive rash on the hands, feet, and mouth, HFMD is caused by a group of enteroviruses, most notably Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and Coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16). These infections, while typically mild and self-limiting, can lead to severe neurological complications and, in rare cases, be fatal. The disease poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in regions with dense populations and limited healthcare resources.
Fig.1 Complications and sequelae of HFMD. (Zhu P., et al., 2023)
Vaccine Development for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Inactivated poliovirus vaccines have laid the foundation for successful immunization strategies against poliomyelitis, and this approach has been adapted for HFMD vaccine development, with the inactivated EV-A71 vaccine showing high safety and efficacy in clinical trials. In addition, virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines are emerging as a promising option for HFMD, leveraging non-infectious particles to stimulate a strong immune response and offering broad protection against various enterovirus serotypes.
Table 1 The status of HFMD vaccine development. (Bello A. M., et al., 2022)
| Vaccine Producers |
Culture Cell Lines |
Vaccine Strain |
Current Status |
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier |
| Beijing Vigoo (China) |
Vero |
FY7VP5/AH/CHN (C4) |
Phase III Completed, Production License Issued |
NCT01508247 |
| Sinovac (China) |
Vero |
H07 (C4) |
Phase III Completed, Production License Issued |
NCT01507857 |
| CAMS (China) |
KMB-17 |
FY (C4) |
Phase III Completed, Production License Issued |
NCT01569581 |
| NHRI (Taiwan) |
Vero |
E59 (B4) |
Phase II Completed
Phase III in Progress |
NCT02200237
NCT03865238 |
| Inviragen (Singapore) |
Vero |
INV21 (B2) |
Phase I Completed |
NCT01376479 |
Therapeutics Development for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Antiviral Therapies
The development of effective antiviral drugs for HFMD has been a challenging endeavor. Current research is focused on identifying compounds that can inhibit viral replication and pathogenesis. Ribavirin, for example, has shown some efficacy in vitro, but its clinical utility is limited by its narrow therapeutic index and potential side effects. Newer antiviral agents are being explored, targeting specific viral proteins or pathways crucial for the virus's lifecycle.
Immunomodulatory Therapies
Given the potential for immune-mediated tissue damage in severe cases of HFMD, immunomodulatory therapies have emerged as a critical area of research. These therapeutics aim to modulate the host immune response to prevent excessive inflammation and tissue damage while still allowing for effective viral clearance. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has been used with some success in severe cases, providing passive immunity and potentially dampening the immune response.
Our Services
Positioned as a leader in HFMD vaccine and therapy development, our company utilizes our proficiency in virology, immunology, and molecular biology to pioneer innovative solutions. Our company provides a full range of services, including:
- Human Immune System-Engrafted Mice: EV-A71 infection
- CA16 Virus Infection Animal Models
Infection route: intraperitoneal, oral, or respiratory
Our preclinical research services encompass a wide range of experimental designs and methodologies aimed at understanding the pathogenesis of HFMD and evaluating the safety and efficacy of potential vaccines and therapies. We utilize state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and animal models to conduct rigorous testing and analysis, ensuring that our clients have access to the most accurate and reliable data. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Zhu, Peiyu, et al. "Current status of hand-foot-and-mouth disease." Journal of biomedical science 30.1 (2023): 15.
- Bello, Aliyu Maje, and Yaowaluck Maprang Roshorm. "Recent progress and advances towards developing enterovirus 71 vaccines for effective protection against human hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)." Biologicals 79 (2022): 1-9.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
