Researchers in Australia have published results from the GoGoVax study, a clinical trial investigating whether a vaccine could help prevent gonorrhea in gay and bi+ men.
The study found that 4CMenB — a vaccine already used to prevent meningococcal B — did not reduce gonorrhea infections among participants.
Although this result is not what the researchers had hoped for, it provides important evidence to help guide future research on sexually transmitted infection (STD) prevention.
Why was 4CMenB tested for gonorrhea?
The 4CMenB vaccine is already used for prevention meningococcal infection B.
Researchers were interested in studying it for gonorrhea because the bacteria that cause gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) and meningococcal infection (Neisseria meningitidis) are genetically related — shared around 80-90% similarity. Think of them as cousins on the bacteria family tree.
Previously observational research suggested the meningococcal vaccine power offer some cross-protection against gonorrhea, which led to further investigation through a controlled clinical trial.
Clinical trials like GoGoVax are designed to carefully test these possibilities and provide clearer answers. With rates of gonorrhea increasing worldwide, this type of research is important to explore new ways to reduce transmission.
It’s also not the first time scientists have aimed to leverage existing solutions to target different problems. PrEP’s huge success in preventing HIV comes from drugs that were originally used to treat the virus, and more recently, the antibiotic doxycycline has been used to help deal with rising rates of syphilis and chlamydia.
What did the trial show?
THE GoGoVax testconducted by the Kirby Institute and Griffith University in sexual health services in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, compared the rates of gonorrhea infection in people who received the 4CMenB vaccine with those who did not. To date, it is the largest randomized controlled trial in the world investigating the use of the vaccine for this purpose.
The study did not show a reduction in gonorrhea infection rates among those vaccinated. The trial included approximately 650 participants, most of whom were gay and bi+ men.
Importantly, 4CMenB remains a safe and effective vaccine for the prevention of meningococcal disease B. The results of this study are specifically relevant to the prevention of gonorrhea.
How does this fit in with international research?
Interest in 4CMenB and gonorrhea has increased internationally. Some countries, including the UK, have introduced targeted use of 4CMenB in response to rising rates of gonorrhea, based on earlier evidence suggesting it may provide partial protection in some people.
The Australian GoGoVax trial adds new data from a controlled study setting. As more evidence becomes available worldwide, public health recommendations may continue to evolve. This is a normal part of how evidence-based health policies develop over time.
GoGoVax findings follow a similar trial from Francewhich also showed no effect of the vaccine on gonorrhea infections.
What does this mean for you?
While 4CMenB did not show protection against gonorrhea in this study, there are still effective ways to reduce your risk.
- Regular STD testing helps prevent complications and reduce transmission (use our map to find a testing service near you).
- Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics.
- Condoms are a proven way to reduce the risk of gonorrhea and many other STDs.
If you use Doxy-PEP, current evidence shows that it provides strong protection against syphilis and chlamydia, but offers little or no protection against gonorrhea.
Researchers in Australia and around the world continue to work on new STD prevention tools, including vaccines. Each study—whether it shows protection or not—helps build a clearer understanding of what works and what doesn’t.
Thanks to the participants
The GoGoVax study involved approximately 650 gay and bi+ (cis and trans) men, trans women, and non-binary individuals. Their participation contributes valuable knowledge that helps strengthen future STD prevention efforts for the community.
LGBTQ+ communities in Australia have a long history of generous participation in research that strives for better global health outcomes. Considering this, news from the study authors notes:
“While the finding is disappointing, we want to acknowledge the participation of gay and bisexual men in this research and their continued resilience. It is important that we continue to work collaboratively to explore different options for preventing gonorrhea.”
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