KEMRI Advances Global Fight Against Diarrheal Diseases with Shigella Vaccine Trials

By Stella Njung’e

The Institute this week reaffirmed its leadership in vaccine research when they hosted a delegation from Swiss biotech company LimmaTech Biologics and its investors to review progress in the ongoing Shigella vaccine clinical trials in Siaya County.

The delegation, which included investors Dr. Abbas Fesse and Ms. Nicole Green, alongside LimmaTech executives Dr. Patricia Martin (Chief Operating Officer), Chinaza Ezirim (Clinical Project Manager), and Emanuele Catania (Junior Clinical Project Manager), first paid a courtesy call on Acting Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok before later visiting the Clinical Research Centre (CRC) at Siaya County Referral Hospital, where the trial is underway.

The Phase II trial, conducted by KEMRI scientists led by Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Richard Omore and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), Dr. Sidney Ogolla, seeks to confirm the safety and immunogenicity of a second generation.

Shigella bioconjugate vaccine. Shigella, a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhoea, remains one of the leading causes of child mortality in low- and middle-income countries.

This study is part of a larger international effort, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Gates Foundation, with parallel trials being prepared in Peru, Mali, Gambia, Malawi, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as the project moves toward Phase III trials.

Prof. Songok underscored KEMRI’s commitment to ensuring Kenya plays a central role in global vaccine innovation. “Clinical trials are a priority for us. We are seeking partnerships that support end-to-end vaccine development, as well as local manufacturing capacity ahead of the upcoming GAVI deadlines. This Shigella vaccine has the potential to transform child survival in vulnerable populations,” he said.

Acting Director of Research and Development, Dr. Erick Muok, echoed the importance of such collaborations in building capacity for local vaccine development and production. “Our goal is not only to participate in global trials but also to develop, test, and manufacture vaccines locally. Partnerships like this with LimmaTech bridge critical gaps in research, manufacturing, and training,” he emphasized.

While at the trial site in Siaya, Dr. Omore described the trial as a milestone for Kenya and the region. “Shigella continues to claim lives, especially among children. By participating in these trials, Kenya is shaping solutions that will directly impact the health of our communities while contributing to global scientific knowledge,” he said.

Investor Dr. Abbas reaffirmed their commitment to supporting high-impact health innovations. “We want to ensure that the products we back reach the people who need them most. Our portfolio spans vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, with a focus on communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and non-communicable diseases. This Shigella project reflects that mission,” she said.

The visit highlighted not only the scientific promise of the vaccine but also Kenya’s growing role as a hub for vaccine research, development, and future manufacturing in Africa.