Scientists at the University of Dundee are aiming to be the first to develop a Strep A vaccine.
The university's School of Life Sciences is partnering with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and South Korea’s International Vaccine Institute and Gyeongbuk Institute for Bio-Industry as part of a £2.3 million research project funded by the RIGHT Foundation.
Strep A has been described as a "deadly pathogen" by researchers at the University.
The principal investigator of the research project, Doctor Helge Dorfmueller said:
"Our preclinical data shows that our novel approach can deliver a universal Strep A vaccine that is affordable for all."
According to the World Health Organisation, Strep A kills over 500,000 people a year, and the bacteria can cause illnesses such as scarlet fever and strep throat.
Strep A is also prone to cause sepsis and meningitis, as well as heart disease if not treated, which often leads to heart failure and death.
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