Researchers in Australia have released 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 outcome isn’t what researchers had hoped for, it provides important evidence that helps guide future Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) prevention research.
Why was 4CMenB trialled for gonorrhea?
The 4CMenB vaccine is already used to prevent meningococcal B infection.
Researchers were interested in studying it for gonorrhea because the bacteria that cause gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) and meningococcal infection (Neisseria meningitidis) are genetically related — sharing around 80-90% similarity. Think of them as cousins in the bacteria family tree.
Earlier observational research suggested the meningococcal vaccine might offer some cross-protection against gonorrhea, which led to further investigation through a controlled clinical trial.
Clinical trials like GoGoVax are designed to test these possibilities carefully and provide clearer answers. With gonorrhea rates rising globally, this kind of research is important in exploring new ways to reduce transmission.
It’s also not the first time scientists have aimed to leverage existing solutions to target different problems. The huge success of PrEP for preventing HIV originates from medicines originally used to treat the virus, and more recently, the antibiotic doxycycline has been used to help tackle rising rates of syphilis and chlamydia.
What did the trial show?
The GoGoVax trial, conducted by the Kirby Institute and Griffith University across sexual health services in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, compared rates of gonorrhea infection in people who received the 4CMenB vaccine with those who did not. To date, it is the world’s largest randomised controlled trial 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 around 650 participants, most of whom were gay and bi+ men.
Importantly, 4CMenB remains a safe and effective vaccine for preventing meningococcal B disease. The results of this study relate specifically to gonorrhea prevention.
How does this fit with international research?
Interest in 4CMenB and gonorrhea has been growing internationally. Some countries, including the UK, have introduced targeted use of 4CMenB in response to rising gonorrhea rates, based on earlier evidence suggesting it may provide partial protection for some people.
The Australian GoGoVax trial adds new data from a controlled study setting. As more evidence becomes available globally, public health recommendations may continue to evolve. This is a normal part of how evidence-based health policies develop over time.
The GoGoVax findings follow a similar trial from France, which 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 STI testing helps prevent complications and reduces transmission (use our map to find a testing service near you).
- Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics.
- Condoms are a proven way to reduce the risk of gonorrhea and many other STIs.
If you’re using Doxy-PEP, current evidence suggests it provides strong protection against syphilis and chlamydia, but offers little to no protection against gonorrhea.
Researchers in Australia and around the world continue working towards new STI prevention tools, including vaccines. Each study — whether it shows protection or not — helps build a clearer understanding of what works and what doesn’t.
Thank you to participants
Around 650 gay and bi+ men (cis and trans), trans women and non-binary people took part in the GoGoVax study. Their participation contributes valuable knowledge that helps strengthen future STI prevention efforts for the community.
LGBTQ+ communities in Australia have a long history of generously participating in research that strives to better global health outcomes. Reflecting on this, news from the study authors notes:
“While the finding is disappointing, we want to acknowledge the engagement of gay and bisexual men in this research, and their ongoing resilience. It’s important we continue to work in partnership to investigate different options for gonorrhoea prevention.”
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