Uromune Vaccine for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Recurrent urinary tract infections can be exhausting, disruptive and difficult to manage. For some patients, repeated courses of antibiotics offer only short-term relief.
Uromune Vaccine for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Uromune, also known as MV140, is an immune-based treatment designed to reduce the frequency of recurrent UTIs. It is prescribed following specialist assessment and may be considered when standard approaches have not provided lasting benefit.
Key facts about Uromune treatment:
- Treatment for recurrent urinary tract infections
- Sublingual spray taken daily for three months
- Contains inactivated whole bacteria commonly linked to UTIs
- Aims to stimulate the body’s immune response
- Unlicensed in the UK and prescribed on a named-patient basis
- Requires consultant-led assessment
Uromune is not routinely available on the NHS and is offered following careful discussion of potential benefits and uncertainties.
Conditions we help with
Uromune may be considered for adults who experience:
- Recurrent uncomplicated UTIs
- Recurrent UTIs after menopause
- Persistent infections despite appropriate antibiotic treatment
- UTIs associated with bladder dysfunction
- Catheter-associated infections in selected cases
A recurrent UTI is usually defined as two or more infections within six months or three or more within a year NHS 2023.
Some patients have underlying factors such as incomplete bladder emptying hormonal change or altered immune response. A full urological assessment helps identify whether immune modulation may be appropriate.
Tests and treatments
What is Uromune
Uromune MV140 is an oral vaccine-like preparation containing inactivated whole cells of four bacteria commonly involved in urinary infections:
- Escherichia coli
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Enterococcus faecalis
- Proteus vulgaris
These organisms are among the most frequent causes of UTIs NHS 2023.
The treatment is delivered as a spray under the tongue once daily for three months.
Arrange a consultation to discuss whether Uromune may be suitable for you.
How it works
Unlike antibiotics which directly kill bacteria, Uromune is designed to stimulate mucosal immunity. Mucosal immunity refers to immune protection at body surfaces such as the urinary tract lining.
Research suggests that MV140 enhances immune recognition of bacteria and promotes longer-term immune memory. Randomised controlled trial data have shown a significant reduction in UTI episodes compared with placebo in selected patient groups BMJ Open 2019.
The aim is to reduce susceptibility to future infections rather than treat an active infection.
Evidence and current guidance
Clinical studies including randomised trials and observational research have reported reductions in UTI frequency in many participants. Some long-term follow-up studies suggest sustained benefit in a proportion of patients over several years.
However:
- Uromune is not currently licensed in the UK
- It is not included in standard NICE guidance for routine use
- Ongoing research continues to evaluate long-term outcomes
Recurrent UTIs are commonly managed with behavioural strategies vaginal oestrogen in postmenopausal women or antibiotic prophylaxis NICE 2018 updated 2023. Immune-based therapies are considered in selected cases after specialist review.
Safety
Published studies report that Uromune is generally well tolerated with a low rate of serious adverse events. Mild local reactions such as mouth irritation have been described in some patients.
As with any immune-based therapy, careful assessment is essential to ensure suitability.
Our consultants
Uromune treatment is delivered through collaboration with specialist urology colleagues experienced in managing complex and recurrent UTIs.
Care is consultant-led from assessment through follow-up. Decisions are made on an individual basis with patient safety and evidence at the centre of the discussion.
Mr. Steve Foley
Urology Specialist
Mr. Foley is a Consultant Urological Surgeon with a focus on female urology and male incontinence.
Professor Bob Yang
Urology Specialist
Professor Yang is a consultant urological surgeon with specialities in Recurrent UTIs and Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)
Your appointment
Your consultation will begin with a detailed review of your symptoms infection history previous treatments and any relevant test results.
Investigations may include:
- Urine testing
- Ultrasound scan
- Flow rate and bladder emptying assessment
- Blood tests where appropriate
Your consultant will discuss:
- Whether your infections meet the definition of recurrent UTI
- Possible contributing factors
- Standard management options
- The potential role of Uromune
- Benefits limitations and uncertainties
If appropriate, Uromune can be prescribed on a named-patient basis. The prescribing process and monitoring plan will be clearly explained.
FAQs
- Is Uromune a cure for recurrent UTIs
No treatment can guarantee that UTIs will not return. Clinical studies show that many patients experience fewer infections and some become infection-free for a period of time. Not all patients respond.
- Do I take antibiotics at the same time
Uromune is not used to treat an active infection. If you develop a UTI during treatment you may still require antibiotics. Your consultant will advise you.
- Is it suitable for everyone
It may not be appropriate for people with certain immune conditions or those taking specific medications. A detailed medical review is required before prescribing.
- Why is it unlicensed in the UK
An unlicensed medicine is one that has not yet received full UK marketing authorisation. It can still be prescribed legally by a specialist on a named-patient basis when there is a clear clinical rationale.
Media coverage and research interest
Research into Uromune MV140 and vaccine-based approaches to recurrent urinary tract infections has attracted attention in peer-reviewed journals and wider media outlets including the BBC and ABC News. This reflects growing international interest in non-antibiotic strategies for managing recurrent UTIs and reducing reliance on long-term antimicrobial treatment.
- University of Oxford – Oral UTI vaccine study suggests alternative to antibiotics
- Nature – UTI vaccine research gains momentum as alternative to antibiotics
- Medscape – Progress in vaccine development for recurrent urinary tract infections
- The Telegraph – UTI vaccine described as NHS ‘game-changer’ with long-term protection
- The Telegraph – MV140 UTI vaccine explained: how the treatment works
- Daily Mirror – Breakthrough UTI vaccine could benefit millions
- The Independent – UTI vaccine offers alternative to antibiotics for recurrent infections
- Daily Mail – UTI vaccine may provide protection for up to nine years
- Reading Chronicle – Royal Berkshire Hospital reports promising results from UTI vaccine study
- The Sun – New UTI vaccine shows long-term effectiveness in early studies
- Daily Mail – Women reporting significant symptom relief with UTI vaccine treatment
Why Choose The Forbury Clinic?
Care is consultant-led from the outset with time taken to understand your full infection history and previous treatments. We work closely with experienced urology specialists in recurrent UTIs and consider immune-based options such as Uromune where appropriate. Decisions are careful evidence-informed and tailored to you.
