StiRx and International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Monoclonal Antibody Technologies Against Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea

Boston, MA, August 2025 - StiRx Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering best-in-class vaccines and biologics against sexually transmitted infections, announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), an independent international organization established at the initiative of the United Nations Development Program in 1997. The collaboration aims to develop and optimize monoclonal antibody technologies for the treatment and prevention of drug-resistant gonorrhea.

Under the MOU, IVI will leverage StiRx’s anti-gonococcal monoclonal antibodies, including STX-426 and its variants, to conduct proof-of-concept studies aimed at reducing the cost of goods (COGs) for monoclonal antibody production. StiRx will, in turn, evaluate the resulting antibodies and provide comparative testing methodologies.

The partnership highlights both organizations’ commitment to advancing innovative solutions to global health challenges and empowering sexual health for all people. This initiative represents a significant step forward in tackling the urgent public health threat posed by drug-resistant gonorrhea, a disease for which few effective treatment options remain.

"This collaboration with IVI underscores our shared vision of empowering global health by developing sustainable and affordable biologics to fight one of the most pressing infectious disease threats today," said Dr. Davinder Gill, President & CEO of StiRx. "Together, we will work to accelerate innovation and bring forward impactful solutions to address antimicrobial resistance."

Dr. Jerome H. Kim, Director General of IVI, added: "IVI is dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering safe, effective, and affordable vaccines worldwide. Partnering with StiRx enables us to advance monoclonal antibody platforms that could play a critical role in ensuring equitable access to next-generation treatments for drug-resistant infections."

The MOU lays the foundation for StiRx and IVI to pursue future initiatives of mutual interest, combining their expertise to deliver impactful solutions against drug-resistant gonorrhea and other global health challenges.