LepVax (Access to Advanced Health Institute)

LepVax is a recombinant protein subunit vaccine candidate developed by the Access to Advanced Health Institute (AAHI) for the prevention and potentially the treatment of leprosy. The vaccine is a combination of the LEP-F1 fusion protein and the GLA-SE adjuvant. LEP-F1 is a chimeric protein comprising four highly immunogenic antigens from Mycobacterium leprae: ML2531, ML2380, ML2028, and ML1642. GLA-SE (Glucopyranosyl Lipid Adjuvant in a Stable Emulsion) is a synthetic Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist that enhances the magnitude and quality of the Th1-type immune response, which is critical for controlling M. leprae infection. LepVax aims to provide long-lasting protective immunity and reduce the incidence of leprosy-related nerve damage. It has been evaluated in Phase 1 clinical trials for safety and immunogenicity in healthy volunteers.

Brand names

LepVax

Other names

LEP-F1 + GLA-SE