Tetanus, a serious neurological illness triggered by the neurotoxin generated by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Our company provides a full spectrum of services spanning all phases of vaccine and therapeutic advancement, from diagnostics creation to preclinical studies.
Introduction to Tetanus
Tetanus is an acute, potentially fatal disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Characterized by its effects on the nervous system, tetanus leads to muscle stiffness and spasms, with the potential to cause severe complications or death. The disease is not contagious; rather, it is acquired through contact with environmental spores that enter the body through wounds, typically contaminated with soil or feces.
Fig.1 Fabrication of microneedle patches (MNPs) with tetanus toxoid. (Esser E. S., et al., 2016)
Vaccine Development for Tetanus
Initial tetanus vaccines were developed using inactivated forms of the toxin produced by the bacteria. The first vaccines were whole-cell vaccines, which provided robust immune responses but were associated with a higher rate of adverse effects.
Modern tetanus vaccines have evolved to include:
- Tetanus Toxoid (TT): A purified form of the toxin that has been inactivated, which is used to stimulate an immune response without causing disease.
- Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids (DT): A combination vaccine that provides protection against both diseases.
- Tetanus Toxoid and Diphtheria Toxoid (Td): Often recommended for adolescents and adults, this vaccine is designed to boost immunity against tetanus and diphtheria.
- Tetanus Toxoid, Diphtheria Toxoid, and Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap): This combination vaccine protects against all three diseases and is particularly important for pregnant women and individuals in close contact with infants to prevent neonatal tetanus.
Therapeutics Development for Tetanus
Antitoxin Therapy
The primary therapeutics for tetanus involve the use of tetanus immune globulin (TIG), which is a passive immunization that provides immediate but temporary protection by supplying high levels of tetanus-specific antibodies.
Antibiotic Therapy
Metronidazole is the antibiotic of choice for treating tetanus due to its effectiveness against anaerobic bacteria and its ability to penetrate the central nervous system. Penicillin is an alternative but is used with caution due to concerns about its potential to provoke spasms.
Our Services
Through our extensive R&D capabilities, we aim to provide global pharmaceutical companies with one-stop tetanus vaccine and therapy development solutions, making a significant contribution to the global fight against tetanus.
- Mouse/Guinea Pig Models: varying doses of tetanus toxoid (TT)
- Sprague-Dawley Rats: microparticles encapsulating TT prepared from polylactide-co-glycolide polymers
Our preclinical research services are designed to rigorously evaluate vaccine candidates and therapeutic products before they enter clinical trials. This phase includes in vitro studies to assess immunogenicity and safety, as well as in vivo testing in animal models to evaluate efficacy and pharmacokinetics. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Esser, E. Stein, et al. "Tetanus vaccination with a dissolving microneedle patch confers protective immune responses in pregnancy." Journal of Controlled Release 236 (2016): 47-56.
- BORELLA-VENTURINI, Matteo, et al. "Tetanus vaccination, antibody persistence and decennial booster: a serosurvey of university students and at-risk workers." Epidemiology & Infection 145.9 (2017): 1757-1762.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
