Meningococcal B Vaccine Fails to Curb Gonorrhoea

Large clinical trial finds no effect of meningococcal B vaccine on gonorrhoea prevention among high-risk gay and bisexual men

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Results from a major randomized control trial provide strong evidence that the meningococcal B vaccine is not effective at preventing gonorrhoea among gay and bisexual men. The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 587 participants found the gonorrhoea incidence was virtually the same between the vaccine and placebo groups, indicating the vaccine had no effect on preventing the disease.

Why it matters

Gonorrhoea is a major public health challenge, especially with the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains. Gay and bisexual men are at particularly high risk, so an effective vaccine could transform prevention efforts. However, this study shows the meningococcal B vaccine, which is approved and used in some countries for this purpose, does not actually prevent gonorrhoea in this high-risk population.

The details

The randomized control trial, called 'GoGoVax', was conducted by researchers at Griffith University and the Kirby Institute. Participants received either the meningococcal B vaccine or a placebo, and the gonorrhoea incidence was tracked over time. The results showed virtually identical gonorrhoea rates of around 48% per year in both the vaccine and placebo groups, indicating the vaccine had no effect.

  • The trial results were presented on February 26, 2026 at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Denver, Colorado.

The players

Professor Kate Seib

Researcher at Griffith University's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics who led the trial.

Professor Andrew Grulich

Researcher at the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney who was also a lead on the study.

Brent Mackie

Director of Policy, Strategy and Research at ACON, a collaborator on the study.

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What they’re saying

“Across both arms, the gonorrhoea incidence was virtually the same - at around 48 per cent per year, indicating very clearly that the vaccine had no effect on preventing gonorrhoea.”

— Professor Kate Seib, Researcher, Griffith University (Mirage News)

“An effective vaccine to reduce gonorrhoea would transform our approach to prevention, so it is incredibly disappointing that our research has proven that 4CMenB is not effective in gonorrhoea prevention in gay and bisexual men.”

— Professor Andrew Grulich, Researcher, Kirby Institute (Mirage News)

“Research like this is vital because it helps give our communities the clarity we need. Findings help us refine our approach in preventing the transmission of STIs. We thank everyone who participated in the study. Your contribution will help strengthen sexual health in our communities.”

— Brent Mackie, Director of Policy, Strategy and Research, ACON (Mirage News)

What’s next

Researchers plan to further investigate why observational studies had suggested the meningococcal B vaccine could prevent gonorrhoea, when this large randomized trial found no such effect. They will also continue exploring other options for gonorrhoea prevention among high-risk populations.

The takeaway

This study provides definitive evidence that the meningococcal B vaccine, despite being approved and used in some countries for gonorrhoea prevention, does not actually protect against the disease. It highlights the importance of conducting rigorous randomized trials to validate observational findings, and the need to explore alternative prevention strategies for this growing public health challenge.