Women Seek Funding for Uromune, a Breakthrough UTI Vaccine

Women suffering from chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) are advocating for the National Health Service (NHS) to fund a new vaccine, Uromune, which has shown promise in preventing these painful conditions. Currently, the NHS does not provide funding for this treatment, forcing many patients to pay out of pocket for a solution that could significantly improve their quality of life.

Uromune, a pineapple-flavoured mouth spray, is available in private clinics in the UK for approximately £400. It has been effective in clinical trials over nearly a decade, demonstrating its ability to reduce the recurrence of UTIs, which predominantly affect women. The vaccine is already in use in other countries, including Spain, Canada, and China, raising questions about the UK’s slower adoption.

While there have been isolated instances where the NHS has funded Uromune for patients with severe, chronic UTIs who have not responded to antibiotics, experts argue that this limited approach overlooks those who could benefit from the vaccine. They are urging the NHS to provide Uromune to patients who have experienced at least three UTIs within a year, potentially allowing access to around 1.7 million women in the UK.

The impact of recurrent UTIs is significant. According to statistics, these infections lead to approximately 150,000 hospital admissions annually and result in around 6,000 deaths each year due to complications like sepsis. The financial burden on the NHS is estimated at £380 million each year, highlighting the need for effective treatments.

One patient who has experienced the benefits of Uromune is Jacqui Giles, a 69-year-old from Oxfordshire. After living with chronic UTIs for over 25 years, Giles faced a cycle of recurring infections and was often prescribed antibiotics, which did not resolve her condition. She described the pain as debilitating, affecting her daily life and causing anxiety about potential triggers for her infections.

Following a private consultation, Giles opted for Uromune and reported a significant improvement. “I don’t dread waking up every morning now,” she said, noting that since her treatment, she has only experienced three infections within a year, which were manageable. Her story illustrates the transformative potential of Uromune, as she is now able to enjoy everyday activities without fear.

The lead researcher for Uromune, Bob Yang, a consultant urology surgeon at the University of Oxford, emphasized the vaccine’s potential impact on patients with recurrent UTIs. He stated, “If this drug gets approved, it would be revolutionary for recurrent UTI patients.” Yang highlighted the urgency of making Uromune widely available, as the current reliance on antibiotics is insufficient for many patients.

Despite the promise of Uromune, there are concerns about its cost, which is significantly higher than traditional antibiotic treatments. The NHS estimates that a course of Uromune would cost around £326, compared to about £50 for antibiotics. Some critics argue that the vaccine’s rollout should be approached with caution until more comprehensive data is available.

The efficacy of Uromune is supported by a long-term study involving 89 patients with recurrent UTIs, which revealed that about half remained infection-free after nine years. The research also indicated that around 40% of patients required a second dose after two years, and those who did experience repeat infections found them easier to manage.

The pharmaceutical firm Immunotek, based in Spain, is currently seeking regulatory approval from the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for Uromune. Once approved, it will be up to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to determine whether the NHS will fund its use.

In the meantime, patients are left with limited options, often resorting to private treatment. Organizations advocating for better access, like the Chronic Urinary Tract Infection Campaign, have called for a more personalized approach to treatment, which includes the potential use of Uromune along with antibiotics and improved diagnostic testing.

Experts also suggest that additional remedies, such as D-mannose, a supplement that may help prevent UTIs, can be beneficial. D-mannose is a sugar molecule that can bind to harmful bacteria in the urinary tract, facilitating their removal from the body. Probiotics, which help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, may also reduce the risk of infections.

As the situation continues to evolve, patients like Jacqui Giles hope for broader access to Uromune, emphasizing the urgent need for effective treatments for chronic UTIs. They call for a response from health authorities that reflects the significant impact this condition has on their lives.