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Antibiotic resistance adé - "Santella" as a vaccine revolution in coliform bacteria control

February 14th 2022 – Alice Huber

Antibiotic resistance poses a threat to humans and animals, that much is certain. A solution to this problem is presented by the start-up “Santella”, with their probiotic vaccine to combat E. coli. Who is behind this idea and what visions the research team has, can be read in this interview with Sabrina Stöckli, co-founder of “Santella”.

Let’s face the problem: Escherichia coli is a major problem in livestock farming, especially in the poultry sector. Nowadays, antibiotics are used in large quantities to combat it. Why is this problematic for society and animals?
“Antibiotics can be very helpful in fighting infections, but they have little specific effect. That is, they harm the bad ones, but they can harm good bacteria just as much. Basically, the emergence of antibiotic resistance is a natural process. Just as we humans adapt to changing environmental conditions, so do bacteria. Antibiotics in the environment of bacteria cause them to be forced to adapt in order to survive. This has an unpleasant consequence: certain infections in animals and humans can no longer be treated with antibiotics. That’s why Santella’s goal is to develop a vaccine against such bacteria to help reduce antibiotic use.”

And how exactly can a layperson imagine the mode of action of your vaccine?
“Our gut is colonized with an innumerable number of bacteria. These serve as a barrier and are closely linked to the immune system. Unfortunately, pathogenic, i.e. disease-causing bacteria can always colonize there. With the Santella vaccine, we mimic an infection with such pathogenic bacteria so that the body can build up an immune defense against this pathogen. In the event of a subsequent infection with the pathogen, the body can respond more efficiently and fight the disease.”

“With Santella, we want to make a significant difference for people and animals and make the world a little bit better.” – Sabrina Stöckli, Co-Founder “Santella

That sounds very promising! Can you tell us a bit more about the background of the idea and your team building?
“Santella’s journey started at the Institute of Infectious Diseases at the University of Bern. Olivier did research on a probiotic vaccine during his PhD under the care of Siegfried. I was able to catch a first glimpse of this research during my studies and through my later employment at the institute our contact was strengthened. Antibiotic resistance was a concern for all of us and we pursued the idea of doing something against it together. That’s why we applied for Innosuisse Module 2 in 2021 with the idea of a vaccine, and from there everything started rolling.”

And is there anything currently standing in your way of “rolling on”?
“Acquiring funds is a big challenge for us. These are necessary to finance further research. After all, we want to deliver the proof of concept milestone soon.”

Enough headaches. Let’s assume the Santella ball keeps rolling unimpeded. What is your vision for Santella in 5 years?
“Our vision is to present a functional vaccine against coliform bacteria in the poultry sector. Ideally, we are also already in the midst of developing new solutions against other problematic pathogens.”

Also against pathogens outside the poultry sector?
“Exactly, our vaccines could be used to protect a wide variety of animal species from serious infections and thus improve animal welfare. The use of the vaccine is therefore also conceivable in private livestock farming.”

Diverse uses – that’s certainly in your business plan, too. Let’s stay with business – what do you hope to achieve by participating in STAGE UP?
“To further reflect and strengthen our business plan is definitely a goal. In addition, we would like to build a broad network and look forward to exchanging experiences – also with other teams.”

Thank you for the exciting insight into the world of “Santella” and toi toi!

Sabrina Stöckli                Olivier Schären                Prof. Dr. Siegfried Hapfelmeier