Many women know that fighting Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (rUTIs) with antibiotics is tough. Yet, there’s hope in an oral spray vaccine, Uromune™ (MV140). This new solution is from a company in Madrid, Immunotek S.L. They say their oral spray vaccine Uromune™ (MV140) is now an option for adults in four nations. It’s available in another 20 countries through special programs.1 Sadly, the MV140 vaccine isn’t in the U.S. anymore. A spokesperson from Immunotek told Precision Vaccination News that Americans can try to access Uromune in Mexico, where it is allowed. The cost of the vaccine changes based on the nation.
Key Takeaways
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) can be challenging to treat with antibiotics
- Uromune™ (MV140) vaccine has been approved in 4 countries and available in 20 more through special access
- The MV140 vaccine is no longer available in the United States
- US patients are advised to get the Uromune vaccine in Mexico where it is licensed
- The vaccine’s price varies depending on the country
Understanding Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Prevalence and Challenges of rUTIs
About 11% of women get a simple UTI each year. Out of these women, around 25% will get another UTI in the next six months. This shows that recurrent UTIs are both common and challenging. Before a vaccine, people used to get about 6.8 UTIs a year.2
Limitations of Antibiotic Treatment
Doctors sometimes give preventive antibiotics to those who often get UTIs. This is to lower the chance of them having more infections. But, relying too much on antibiotics has caused some bacteria to become resistant to these drugs. So, using antibiotics for recurrent UTIs has its limits.3
More than 92% of the bacteria that cause UTIs don’t respond to at least one common antibiotic. And nearly 80% don’t react to two common drugs.3
Introducing the Uromune™ (MV140) Vaccine
Composition and Mechanism of Action
The Uromune™ (MV140) vaccine is made up of four inactive bacteria. They are Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, and Enterococcus faecalis. These are suspended in water.4 It aims to trigger a strong immune response in the body’s mucosal tissues. This includes the urinary tract and bladder linings. When applied under the tongue, it does its work.5
Approval Status and Availability
In four countries, Uromune has been given the green light for use in adults. It can be accessed through special programs and off-label in 20 other countries. Sadly, it’s not available in the United States anymore.4
Clinical Studies on Uromune’s Efficacy
North American Study Findings
A study from February 2024 looked at MV140, known as Uromune, for preventing UTIs in North American women.6 Before getting the vaccine, women had about 6.8 UTIs yearly. After getting the vaccine, this number dropped by 75.3% in the nine months that followed.6
Long-Term Follow-Up Results
After nine years, 54% of women in a follow-up study were still UTI-free since their first vaccine dose. On average, they went 4.5 years without a UTI.7 At the 12-month mark, 80.3% felt their condition was moderately to markedly improved. Additionally, 58.1% were mainly satisfied, pleased, or delighted with their outcome.7
Potential Benefits of the UTI Vaccine
UTI vaccines change the game by offering a new way to fight UTIs without constant antibiotics. They could significantly cut down on antibiotics. This could stop the rise of superbugs and keep our helpful body bacteria safe.2
Reduced Antibiotic Use
People in a long-term study shared they had fewer and milder UTIs after taking the vaccine. For some, drinking lots of water was all it took to treat UTIs.2 This means the vaccine might not just stop UTIs but also improve life quality without always needing antibiotics.2
Improved Quality of Life
After nine years, over half the study’s participants were still free from UTIs. Women went without a UTI for 4.5 years on average; men for 3.5 years.2 Even those who got a UTI often found that drinking water helped them get better.2 This shown-up in their happiness too. Over half of them felt either mostly satisfied, pleased, or delighted with their treatment.2
When Will UTI Vaccine Be Available in USA?
Current Accessibility Options
Regrettably, the Uromune (MV140) vaccine is no longer on sale in the United States.8 A spokesperson from Immunoteck advises American patients to try getting the Uromune shot in Mexico. It’s licensed for use there. But getting it in Mexico poses problems for many Americans.
Challenges and Roadblocks
Getting the UTI vaccine fully approved by the FDA in the US is complex — a process that takes time and money.8 There are many hurdles to jump, including regulatory blocks, making the vaccine, and funding research.
The Uromune vaccine has proven itself effective in stopping recurrent UTIs. But without being available in the US, people face significant barriers. For Americans to access this vaccine, issues such as regulations, production, and financial support must be tackled.8 The medical field and researchers are hard at work looking for ways to make this vaccine accessible. Both patients and healthcare workers are eager for it to be available. They hope these challenges will soon be overcome, making the UTI vaccine a real choice for those with reoccurring UTIs.
Expert Perspectives on Uromune
Dr. Bob Yang worked on a Uromune study at the Royal Berkshire NHS. He mentioned the vaccine helped women with recurring UTIs before.2 After getting the vaccine, they had less frequent and milder UTIs. This showed the vaccine is safe for long-term use.2
Dr. J. Curtis Nickel, a professor at Queens University, highlighted issues caused by recurrent UTIs. These include pain, disability, and stress.9 He also talked about antibiotic side effects and how they affect daily life. MV140, the vaccine, is better and has fewer adverse effects than usual antibiotics.9
Ongoing Research and Future Developments
The Uromune vaccine has been tested for simple UTIs. These are infections without catheters or affecting the kidneys.6 Researchers want to see if it works for those who often get UTIs due to other health issues. They are looking at its effects on people with special needs for healthcare and chronic catheter patients.6 Also, they are trying out new vaccines in mice. These might fight bacteria in a different way, making more vaccines available in the future.
Expanding Target Populations
The Uromune vaccine is showing good results for simpler UTIs. Now, they are seeing if it can help those with more complex challenges. This group includes people with special health needs and those who use catheters.6 The goal is to help manage UTIs better for them and use less antibiotics.
Alternative UTI Vaccine Candidates
Besides Uromune, other UTI vaccines are being looked into too. One way they’re exploring is by testing on mice. These vaccines target tough bacteria that hide from our immune system. The idea is to find more ways to prevent UTIs effectively.
Patient Experiences and Testimonials
The long-term study on the Uromune vaccine showed amazing results. 54% of people didn’t have a UTI for nine years after taking the vaccine.10 Women went 4.5 years without a UTI on average, and men went 3.5 years.10
For some, drinking a lot of water could cure a UTI. They also had fewer and less severe UTIs. Most patients were happy with the Uromune vaccine results.10
Patient Outcome | Percentage |
---|---|
Remained UTI-free for 9 years | 54% |
Average infection-free period for women | 4.5 years |
Average infection-free period for men | 3.5 years |
Participants reporting fewer, less severe UTIs | Majority |
Participants primarily satisfied, pleased, or delighted | Majority |
From the uromune patient experiences and uti vaccine patient testimonials, it’s clear. The Uromune vaccine might work well instead of antibiotics for UTIs. Thought I’d share the good news!10
Cost and Affordability Considerations
The of the Uromune vaccine changes by country, as per an Immunoteck spokesperson. In the United States, it might be suggested to look into Mexico for it, where it’s approved.11 Its price and how easy it is to afford are key in its use and spread, especially in the US. Healthcare costs there can make it hard for some to get treatments.
The Uromune vaccine offers hope for those with frequent UTIs. However, its US entry depends heavily on pricing and availability.11 Since it’s not fully approved by the FDA yet, the time and money needed for this could be a roadblock for some Americans.11 It’s vital for drug companies, health regulators, and medical professionals to work together. They need to make sure the is fair and its makes it accessible for all who require it.
Integrating the UTI Vaccine into Healthcare Systems
Adding the Uromune™ (MV140) vaccine to healthcare faces many challenges.12 These include getting through regulations, getting it covered by insurance, teaching doctors, and making sure patients know about it and want it.12 Working together, drug makers, officials, doctors, and patient groups can overcome these issues.
Potential Barriers and Solutions
Make the approval process smoother, cover it with insurance, and educate everyone.12 This includes both patients and healthcare workers.12 Educating doctors about this vaccine’s benefits will help them see its worth.13 Because it can lower the need for antibiotics, it’s an important step.
Preventive Strategies for UTIs
The Uromune vaccine is a new hope for those with repeat UTIs. It’s not the only tool, though.5 Healthy habits and what you eat can lower the chance of getting a UTI. Drink lots of water, go to the bathroom after sex, keep clean, and eat cranberry foods. These steps, plus using the vaccine, create a strong plan against getting UTIs often.
Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations
To keep UTIs away, taking care of yourself is key. Be sure to drink water and pee after sex. Doing this helps wash away any harmful bacteria.5 Also, eat foods like cranberries. They stop bacteria from sticking to the bladder, cutting UTI risks even more.5
With these good habits and maybe the UTI vaccine, dealing with recurrent UTIs is more effective.5 This approach helps people with frequent UTIs enjoy a better life.
Conclusion
The Uromune (MV140) vaccine has exciting results in fighting recurrent urinary tract infections. Some people stayed UTI-free for up to nine years after getting the vaccine.2 But, it’s not yet available in the US. It needs to pass the full FDA approval first. The high cost and fitting into America’s health system are major issues to solve. This is before the UTI vaccine can be used widely in the US.7
There’s ongoing work on other UTI vaccines. This could mean more ways to prevent UTIs later on. For now, making changes in life and diet can help with UTIs. This is until a vaccine is more available in the US.27
We’re not sure when the UTI vaccine will be in the US. But, the good study results and potential benefits give hope. This new way to fight frequent UTIs could really help.27
FAQ
When will the UTI vaccine be available in the USA?
What is the current accessibility of the UTI vaccine for US-based patients?
What are the key challenges and roadblocks preventing the UTI vaccine from being available in the USA?
What are the potential benefits of the UTI vaccine?
What are the expert perspectives on the Uromune vaccine?
What are the ongoing research and future developments in the field of UTI vaccines?
What are the cost and affordability considerations for the UTI vaccine?
What are the potential barriers and solutions in integrating the UTI vaccine into healthcare systems?
What are the lifestyle and dietary recommendations for preventing UTIs?
Source Links
- https://www.precisionvaccinations.com/uti-vaccine-only-available-travelers-2024-04-19
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10841562/
- http://katiecouric.com/health/uti-vaccine-us/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uromune
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10052183/
- https://liveutifree.com/uro-vaxom/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11050831/
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/urinary-tract-infection/new-uti-vaccine-is-a-mouth-spray-that-tastes-like-pineapple/
- https://www.urologytimes.com/view/novel-vaccine-mv140-effective-at-treating-recurrent-utis
- https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-04-08/vaccine-by-mouth-could-replace-antibiotics-in-fighting-utis
- https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00261248
- https://www.kp-scalresearch.org/vaccine-study-looks-to-prevent-e-coli-sepsis/
- https://comprehensive-urology.com/womens-health/recurrent-uti-in-women/