The global rise in drug-resistant bacterial infections and recurrent fungal diseases has become a significant public health concern.
Many of these infections are not only difficult to treat, but often return even after multiple rounds of standard therapy.
This creates a growing burden on both patients and healthcare systems, especially as resistance to existing antifungal and antibiotic treatments continues to increase.
To address this challenge, researchers have shifted focus toward prevention through immunotherapeutics -specifically, vaccines that train the immune system to recognize and fight off these pathogens before infection occurs.
Novadigm’s Approach to Immunotherapeutics
At Novadigm, the mission has been clear: to develop innovative vaccines and immunotherapies that offer effective protection against both fungal and bacterial pathogens.
Our lead vaccine candidate, NDV-3A, is a recombinant protein vaccine designed to provide dual-action immunity. It targets Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), as well as Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterial cause of skin and soft tissue infections.
This dual-pathogen strategy is unique, addressing two pressing medical needs in one preventative approach.
Clinical Evidence Supporting NDV-3A
NDV-3A has demonstrated promising results in preclinical models, where it significantly reduced the severity of disease caused by both fungal and bacterial pathogens. These findings supported its advancement into human trials.
A Phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled study focused on women suffering from recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC)—a condition that affects millions and often lacks long-term solutions. The study revealed that a single dose of NDV-3A resulted in:
- A higher recurrence-free rate through 12 months
- An extended time to first recurrence for those who did experience symptoms
In addition to its application in RVVC, NDV-3A is being studied for its potential to reduce S. aureus infections, which are increasingly resistant to antibiotics and a major concern in both hospital and community settings.
Broader Implications and Future Possibilities
The development of NDV-3A represents a critical step forward in reducing dependency on antifungal and antibiotic treatments—particularly for infections prone to resistance or recurrence.
By stimulating the body’s own immune system, vaccines like NDV-3A may offer long-term protection, fewer treatment failures, and better quality of life for patients affected by these persistent conditions.
As interest in preventative biotechnology continues to grow, Novadigm’s work reflects a broader shift in medicine: from reactive treatment to proactive immune support.
Scientific Collaboration and Support
The scientific foundation of this work was made possible through partnerships with key institutions, including the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Support also came from private equity and government-backed research grants.
These collaborations positioned Novadigm as a pioneer in the effort to develop first-in-class vaccines for some of the most persistent and difficult-to-treat pathogens.
Honoring the Legacy, Evolving the Mission
While Novadigm has since transitioned into a new chapter, the core belief remains the same:
Science-backed innovation has the power to transform how we support the body in facing long-term health challenges.
The legacy of this research continues to shape ongoing conversations around infectious disease, vaccine development, and immune system support.