Ateneo scientists developing possible vaccine vs. stomach ulcers

Researchers from Ateneo de Manila University are now looking into developing vaccines to prevent painful stomach ulcers.

Scientists from the Ateneo School of Science and Engineering’s Department of Biology are on their way to finding a vaccine to fight off Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium responsible for stomach ulcers and risk for stomach cancers.

Their 2025 study noted that the bacterium is common and found in over 60% of the world’s population.

With the help of “immunoinformatics,” Ateneo scientists were able to identify key proteins produced by H. pylori and the proteins most likely to be safe, non-allergenic, and capable of activating protective immune cells.

“By running thousands of gene sequences through these computational tools, researchers can narrow down the most promising vaccine targets much faster and at lower cost than through trial-and-error lab work alone,” the researchers said in a statement.

There are no approved vaccines yet against H. pylori, although there are ongoing tentative research in other laboratories around the world.

The Ateneo scientists said they will begin laboratory testing to validate their preliminary research findings and computer simulations.

“However, if successful, the Ateneo research could pave the way for the first-ever H. pylori vaccine that could help guard against stomach ulcers and cancer,” the statement added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News