Solicited Injection Site Research Articles

Observational Safety Study of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine Against Serogroups A, C, W and Y (Menactra) Used in Routine Healthcare Practice for Persons Aged 2 to 55 Years in Russian Federation

Although incidence of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in the Russian Federation is low, children younger 15 years of age are significantly affected. Serogroups A, B, and C are frequently implicated. The quadrivalent meningococcal diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-D) is approved in Russia for immunization of individuals 9 months to 55 years of age. Goals . We evaluated the safety of a single dose of MenACWY-D administered to individuals 2–55 years of age in routine clinical practice in the Russian Federation. Materials and Methods . Using diary cards filled by participants or their parents, this prospective multicenter observational study quantified the occurrence of solicited injection site and systemic reactions up to 7 days after vaccination as well as unsolicited non-serious adverse events (AEs), and serious adverse events (SAEs) for 28 days. Results . The systemicrate of solicited injection site and systemic reactions during the 7-day observation period was 52.0% (95% CI: 41.8; 62.2). Rates of solicited injection site reactions and systemic reactions of any severity were 49% (95% CI: 38.9; 59.2) and 20% (95% CI: 12.7; 29.2), respectively. The rate of unsolicited AEs was 9% (95% CI: 4.2; 16.4). Rates of solicited grade 3 injection site and systemic reactions ranged between 1–3% and 0–1%, respectively. There were no unsolicited adverse reactions (ARs), SAEs, or deaths. Conclusions . These findings corroborate those of pre-licensure and post-registration studies and confirm the safety and good tolerability of MenACWY-D when used in routine clinical practice in individuals 2–55 years of age in the Russian Federation.

Safety of two doses of an inactivated hepatitis a vaccine given 6 months apart in healthy toddlers, children, and adolescents aged 12 months to 15 years in China: a phase IV study

ABSTRACTHepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable infection caused by the HA virus (HAV) with transitional to intermediate endemicity in China. An inactivated vaccine first licensed in China in 2010 (Avaxim® 80U Pediatric) is indicated for primary and booster vaccination in children from 12 months to 15 years of age. This Phase IV, open-label, single-arm trial supported licensure in pediatric age groups in China. A total of 355 healthy infants and toddlers (< 2 years of age), children (2 to 11 years of age), and adolescents (≥ 12 years of age) were enrolled to receive two doses of intramuscular HA vaccine, separated by 6 months. Participants were split into Group 1 (infants and toddlers: N = 270) and Group 2 (children and adolescents: N = 85). Safety was assessed by solicited injection site and systemic adverse events (AEs) for 7 days and unsolicited AEs for 30 days after each vaccination. Serious AEs (SAEs) were collected throughout. Immunogenicity was not assessed. Analyses were descriptive. Both vaccinations were very well tolerated in each group. The incidence of solicited injection site reactions was lower in Group 1 (17.9%) than Group 2 (33.3%) and for solicited systemic reactions was similar for each group. The incidence of unsolicited AEs in Group 1 was 6.3% and none in Group 2. For solicited and unsolicited AEs the incidence was slightly higher after the first vaccination. There were no SAEs. Overall, the good safety profile of this pediatric HA vaccine was confirmed in infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents aged 12 months to 15 years in China.

A Replication-Defective Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)-2 Vaccine, HSV529, is Safe and Well-Tolerated in Adults with or without HSV Infection and Induces Significant HSV-2-Specific Antibody Responses in HSV Seronegative Individuals

BackgroundWe conducted a phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a replication-defective HSV-2 vaccine, HSV529 (deleted for UL5 and UL29), in 60 healthy adults aged 18 to 40 years.MethodsSubjects were enrolled in groups of 20 from 3 serogroups: HSV1+ or -/HSV2+ (group 1), HSV1+/HSV2– (group 2), and HSV1-/HSV2– (group 3). At months 0, 1, and 6, 15 subjects in each group received HSV529 intramuscularly and 5 subjects received placebo. The primary endpoint was the frequency of solicited injection site and systemic reactions from day 0 to 7 after each vaccination and unsolicited adverse events up to 6 months after the last dose.Results89% of vaccine recipients experienced a mild to moderate solicited injection site reaction vs. 47% of placebo recipients (P = 0.006, 95% CI 0.129, 0.676) that did not preclude additional doses. 64% of vaccine recipients experienced solicited systemic reactions vs. 53% of placebo recipients (P = 0.44, 95% CI -0.179, 0.402). Two serious adverse events occurred in 2 participants and were assessed as unrelated to HSV529 administration. Serum neutralizing antibody titers significantly increased from baseline after 3 doses of HSV529 compared with placebo in group 3 only (P < 0.001). This increase persisted up to 6 months after the third dose of vaccine (P < 0.001). Serum and vaginal antibodies to HSV2 glycoprotein D (gD) also significantly increased after 3 doses of vaccine in group 3 subjects (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). The mean vaginal gD titer after 3 doses was about one-third of the mean serum gD titer. In addition, the vaccine induced significant levels of HSV2-specific antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) after 3 doses in group 3 subjects compared with placebo (P < 0.001). Vaccine-induced CD4 T-cell responses were detected in 46%, 27%, and 36% of subjects in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, one month after the third dose of vaccine. CD8 T-cell responses were detected in 8%, 18%, and 14% of subjects in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, at the same time point.ConclusionThe HSV529 vaccine was safe, well-tolerated, and immunogenic, eliciting significant neutralizing, gD, and ADCC-mediating antibodies, and modest cellular immune responses in HSV seronegative individuals. NCT01915212Disclosures L. Dropulic, sanofi pasteur: Collaborator, Research support; K. Wang, sanofi pasteur: Collaborator, Research support; M. Oestreich, sanofi pasteur: Collaborator, Research support; H. Pietz, sanofi pasteur: Collaborator, Research support; D. Garabedian, sanofi pasteur: Collaborator, Research support; K. Dowdell, sanofi pasteur: Collaborator, Research support; H. Nguyen, sanofi pasteur: Collaborator, Research support; K. Laing, sanofi pasteur: Research Contractor, payment for conducting T cell assays; D. Koelle, sanofi pasteur: Research Contractor, payment for conducting T cell assays; A. Azose, sanofi pasteur: Research Contractor, Payment for conducting T cell assays; A. Chen, sanofi pasteur: Employee, Salary; L. J. Chang, sanofi pasteur: Employee, Salary; S. Phogat, sanofi pasteur: Employee, Salary

Safety and immunogenicity of a mRNA rabies vaccine in healthy adults: an open-label, non-randomised, prospective, first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial

Vaccines based on mRNA coding for antigens have been shown to be safe and immunogenic in preclinical models. We aimed to report results of the first-in-human proof-of-concept clinical trial in healthy adults of a prophylactic mRNA-based vaccine encoding rabies virus glycoprotein (CV7201). We did an open-label, uncontrolled, prospective, phase 1 clinical trial at one centre in Munich, Germany. Healthy male and female volunteers (aged 18-40 years) with no history of rabies vaccination were sequentially enrolled. They received three doses of CV7201 intradermally or intramuscularly by needle-syringe or one of three needle-free devices. Escalating doses were given to subsequent cohorts, and one cohort received a booster dose after 1 year. The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability. The secondary endpoint was to determine the lowest dose of CV7201 to elicit rabies virus neutralising titres equal to or greater than the WHO-specified protective antibody titre of 0·5 IU/mL. The study is continuing for long-term safety and immunogenicity follow-up. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02241135. Between Oct 21, 2013, and Jan 11, 2016, we enrolled and vaccinated 101 participants with 306 doses of mRNA (80-640 μg) by needle-syringe (18 intradermally and 24 intramuscularly) or needle-free devices (46 intradermally and 13 intramuscularly). In the 7 days post vaccination, 60 (94%) of 64 intradermally vaccinated participants and 36 (97%) of 37 intramuscularly vaccinated participants reported solicited injection site reactions, and 50 (78%) of 64 intradermally vaccinated participants and 29 (78%) of 37 intramuscularly vaccinated participants reported solicited systemic adverse events, including ten grade 3 events. One unexpected, possibly related, serious adverse reaction that occurred 7 days after a 640 μg intramuscular dose resolved without sequelae. mRNA vaccination by needle-free intradermal or intramuscular device injection induced virus neutralising antibody titres of 0·5 IU/mL or more across dose levels and schedules in 32 (71%) of 45 participants given 80 μg or 160 μg CV7201 doses intradermally and six (46%) of 13 participants given 200 μg or 400 μg CV7201 doses intramuscularly. 1 year later, eight (57%) of 14 participants boosted with an 80 μg needle-free intradermal dose of CV7201 achieved titres of 0·5 IU/mL or more. Conversely, intradermal or intramuscular needle-syringe injection was ineffective, with only one participant (who received 320 μg intradermally) showing a detectable immune response. This first-ever demonstration in human beings shows that a prophylactic mRNA-based candidate vaccine can induce boostable functional antibodies against a viral antigen when administered with a needle-free device, although not when injected by a needle-syringe. The vaccine was generally safe with a reasonable tolerability profile. CureVac AG.

The safety, immunogenicity, and acceptability of inactivated influenza vaccine delivered by microneedle patch (TIV-MNP 2015): a randomised, partly blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 1 trial

Microneedle patches provide an alternative to conventional needle-and-syringe immunisation, and potentially offer improved immunogenicity, simplicity, cost-effectiveness, acceptability, and safety. We describe safety, immunogenicity, and acceptability of the first-in-man study on single, dissolvable microneedle patch vaccination against influenza. The TIV-MNP 2015 study was a randomised, partly blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 1, clinical trial at Emory University that enrolled non-pregnant, immunocompetent adults from Atlanta, GA, USA, who were aged 18-49 years, naive to the 2014-15 influenza vaccine, and did not have any significant dermatological disorders. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to four groups and received a single dose of inactivated influenza vaccine (fluvirin: 18 μg of haemagglutinin per H1N1 vaccine strain, 17 μg of haemagglutinin per H3N2 vaccine strain, and 15 μg of haemagglutinin per B vaccine strain) (1) by microneedle patch or (2) by intramuscular injection, or received (3) placebo by microneedle patch, all administered by an unmasked health-care worker; or received a single dose of (4) inactivated influenza vaccine by microneedle patch self-administered by study participants. A research pharmacist prepared the randomisation code using a computer-generated randomisation schedule with a block size of 4. Because of the nature of the study, participants were not masked to the type of vaccination method (ie, microneedle patch vs intramuscular injection). Primary safety outcome measures are the incidence of study product-related serious adverse events within 180 days, grade 3 solicited or unsolicited adverse events within 28 days, and solicited injection site and systemic reactogenicity on the day of study product administration through 7 days after administration, and secondary safety outcomes are new-onset chronic illnesses within 180 days and unsolicited adverse events within 28 days, all analysed by intention to treat. Secondary immunogenicity outcomes are antibody titres at day 28 and percentages of seroconversion and seroprotection, all determined by haemagglutination inhibition antibody assay. The trial is completed and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02438423. Between June 23, 2015, and Sept 25, 2015, 100 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to a group. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events, no treatment-related unsolicited grade 3 or higher adverse events, and no new-onset chronic illnesses. Among vaccinated groups (vaccine via health-care worker administered microneedle patch or intramuscular injection, or self-administered microneedle patch), overall incidence of solicited adverse events (n=89 vs n=73 vs n=73) and unsolicited adverse events (n=18 vs n=12 vs n=14) were similar. Reactogenicity was mild, transient, and most commonly reported as tenderness (15 [60%] of 25 participants [95% CI 39-79]) and pain (11 [44%] of 25 [24-65]) after intramuscular injection; and as tenderness (33 [66%] of 50 [51-79]), erythema (20 [40%] of 50 [26-55]), and pruritus (41 [82%] of 50 [69-91]) after vaccination by microneedle patch application. The geometric mean titres were similar at day 28 between the microneedle patch administered by a health-care worker versus the intramuscular route for the H1N1 strain (1197 [95% CI 855-1675] vs 997 [703-1415]; p=0·5), the H3N2 strain (287 [192-430] vs 223 [160-312]; p=0·4), and the B strain (126 [86-184] vs 94 [73-122]; p=0·06). Similar geometric mean titres were reported in participants who self-administered the microneedle patch (all p>0·05). The seroconversion percentages were significantly higher at day 28 after microneedle patch vaccination compared with placebo (all p<0·0001) and were similar to intramuscular injection (all p>0·01). Use of dissolvable microneedle patches for influenza vaccination was well tolerated and generated robust antibody responses. National Institutes of Health.

Rapid safety assessment of a seasonal intradermal trivalent influenza vaccine

ABSTRACT Seasonal influenza vaccine formulations must be updated annually to correspond to the influenza viruses in circulation. This was an uncontrolled, open-label, multi-center phase IV study conducted in Belgium to comply with interim European Medicines Agency (EMA) guidelines for rapidly evaluating the safety of newly formulated seasonal influenza vaccines. Adult volunteers received one dose of the 2014-2015 Northern Hemisphere formulation of licensed intradermal trivalent influenza vaccine at either the standard dose (9µg hemagglutinin/strain for 18−59 year-olds) or the high dose (15µg hemagglutinin/strain for ≥ 60 year-olds). Vaccinees recorded their solicited reactions and unsolicited adverse events for 7 d after vaccination. Solicited reaction frequencies were compared to historical reference values obtained from previous clinical trials to determine if the new formulations were excessively reactogenic or allergenic. A total of 210 participants (105 per age group) were included and vaccinated in October 2014. In both groups, pain, erythema, and pruritus were the most common solicited injection site reactions, and headache and myalgia were the most common solicited systemic reactions. Although the frequencies of shivering in 18−59 year-olds and malaise in ≥ 60 year-olds were higher than historical reference values, they were not considered indicative of excessive reactogenicity because almost all of these reactions were mild. The study design was endorsed by the EMA and permitted the reactogenicity of both vaccine formulations to be assessed within one month by collecting adverse events for 7 d. Both formulations exhibited acceptable safety profiles although this should be confirmed through forthcoming enhanced post-marketing safety surveillance systems.

Immunogenicity of a Japanese encephalitis chimeric virus vaccine as a booster dose after primary vaccination with SA14-14-2 vaccine in Thai children

BackgroundJapanese Encephalitis chimeric virus vaccine (JE-CV) and SA14-14-2 vaccine are live-attenuated JE vaccines produced from the same virus strain. Data on interchangeability is limited. ObjectivesTo evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of JE-CV booster after primary vaccination with SA14-14-2 vaccine. MethodsThis study was an open-label clinical trial in Thai children who had received a primary SA14-14-2 vaccination at 12–24monthsbefore enrollment (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02602652). JE-CV was administered. A 50% plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT50) against three virus strains; JE-CV, SA-14-14-2andwild-type JE virus was measured before and 28-days post vaccination. The laboratory was performed at PRNT50 titers ⩾10 (1/dil) were considered seroprotective against JE. Geometric mean titer (GMT) of PRNT50 was calculated. Adverse events were observed for 28days. ResultsFrom March 2014 to June 2015, 50 children (64% male) were enrolled. Mean age and duration after primary vaccination was 26.9 (SD 4.6) and 12.8 (SD 2.7) months, respectively. The proportion of participants who had PRNT50pre and post-booster vaccination were 92% and 96% against JE-CV virus, 56% and 98% against SA-14-14-2 strain and 70% and 98% against wild-type JE virus, respectively. Solicited injection site reactions including erythema, pain and swelling occurred in 18%, 10% and 4% of subjects, respectively. Four children (8%) had fever (⩾37.7Celsius). Eight children (16%) had adverse events, which were not related to the vaccine. ConclusionsAJE-CV booster dose is highly immunogenic and safe among children who previously received SA14-14-2 vaccine.

Immunogenicity and safety of a tetravalent dengue vaccine in healthy adults in India: A randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is endemic in India. We evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of recombinant, live-attenuated, tetravalent dengue vaccine (CYD-TDV) in Indian adults. In this observer-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase II study, adults aged 18–45 years were randomized 2:1 to receive CYD-TDV or placebo at 0, 6 and 12 months in sub-cutaneous administration. Immunogenicity was assessed using a 50% plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT50) at baseline and 28 days after each study injection. 189 participants were enrolled (CYD-TDV [n = 128]; placebo, [n = 61]). At baseline, seropositivity rates for dengue serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4 ranged from 77.0% to 86.9%. Seropositivity rates for each serotype increased after each CYD-TDV injection with a more pronounced increase after the first injection. In the CYD-TDV group, geometric mean titres (GMTs) were 2.38 to 6.11-fold higher after the third injection compared with baseline but remained similar to baseline in the placebo group. In the CYD-TDV group, the GMTs were 1.66 to 4.95-fold higher and 9.23 to 24.6-fold higher after the third injection compared with baseline in those who were dengue seropositive and dengue seronegative, respectively. Pain was the most commonly reported solicited injection site reaction after the first injection in both the CYD-TDV (6.3%) and placebo groups (4.9%), but occurred less frequently after subsequent injections. No serious adverse events were vaccine-related, no immediate unsolicited adverse events, and no virologically-confirmed cases of dengue, were reported during the study. The immunogenicity and safety of CYD-TDV was satisfactory in both dengue seropositive and seronegative Indian adults.

Effect of reduced dose schedules and intramuscular injection of anthrax vaccine adsorbed on immunological response and safety profile: A randomized trial

ObjectiveWe evaluated an alternative administration route, reduced schedule priming series, and increased intervals between booster doses for anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA). AVA's originally licensed schedule was 6 subcutaneous (SQ) priming injections administered at months (m) 0, 0.5, 1, 6, 12 and 18 with annual boosters; a simpler schedule is desired. MethodsThrough a multicenter randomized, double blind, non-inferiority Phase IV human clinical trial, the originally licensed schedule was compared to four alternative and two placebo schedules. 8-SQ group participants received 6 SQ injections with m30 and m42 “annual” boosters; participants in the 8-IM group received intramuscular (IM) injections according to the same schedule. Reduced schedule groups (7-IM, 5-IM, 4-IM) received IM injections at m0, m1, m6; at least one of the m0.5, m12, m18, m30 vaccine doses were replaced with saline. All reduced schedule groups received a m42 booster. Post-injection blood draws were taken two to four weeks following injection. Non-inferiority of the alternative schedules was compared to the 8-SQ group at m2, m7, and m43. Reactogenicity outcomes were proportions of injection site and systemic adverse events (AEs). ResultsThe 8-IM group's m2 response was non-inferior to the 8-SQ group for the three primary endpoints of anti-protective antigen IgG geometric mean concentration (GMC), geometric mean titer, and proportion of responders with a 4-fold rise in titer. At m7 anti-PA IgG GMCs for the three reduced dosage groups were non-inferior to the 8-SQ group GMCs. At m43, 8-IM, 5-IM, and 4-IM group GMCs were superior to the 8-SQ group. Solicited injection site AEs occurred at lower proportions in the IM group compared to SQ. Route of administration did not influence the occurrence of systemic AEs. A 3 dose IM priming schedule with doses administered at m0, m1, and m6 elicited long term immunological responses and robust immunological memory that was efficiently stimulated by a single booster vaccination at 42 months. ConclusionsA priming series of 3 intramuscular doses administered at m0, m1, and m6 with a triennial booster was non-inferior to more complex schedules for achieving antibody response.

Immunogenicity and Safety of a Recombinant Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine in Children and Adolescents Ages 9–16 Years in Brazil

Immunogenicity and safety of a recombinant, live-attenuated, tetravalent dengue disease vaccine (CYD-TDV) was evaluated in children/adolescents in Brazil. In this observer-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II single-center study, children/adolescents (ages 9–16 years) were randomized to receive CYD-TDV or placebo at 0, 6, and 12 months. Immunogenicity was assessed using a 50% plaque neutralization test. Overall, 150 participants were enrolled (CYD-TDV: N = 100; placebo: N = 50). Injection site pain and headache were the most common solicited injection site and systemic reactions. Unsolicited adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs were similar between groups. No serious AEs were vaccine-related. Geometric mean titers against all dengue virus serotypes increased with CYD-TDV vaccination and were 267, 544, 741, and 432 1/dil for serotypes 1–4, respectively, after dose 3, representing a mean fold increase from baseline of 5, 6, 6, and 20, respectively. CYD-TDV vaccination elicited a neutralizing antibody response against serotypes 1–4 and was well-tolerated in children/adolescents in a dengue-endemic region.

Immunogenicity, Safety, and Lot Consistency of a Novel Inactivated Enterovirus 71 Vaccine in Chinese Children Aged 6 to 59 Months

The determination of lot-to-lot consistency in the manufacturing process is a mandatory step in the clinical development of the novel enterovirus 71 (EV71) vaccine. A phase III, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial assessed the lot consistency, immunogenicity, and safety of the EV71 vaccine in children aged 6 to 59 months. Healthy children (n = 1,400) received one of three lots of the EV71 vaccine containing 400 U of EV71 antigen or a placebo at days 0 and 28. Blood samples were collected before dose 1 and at 28 days after dose 2 (day 56) for an anti-EV71 neutralizing antibody (NTAb) assay. The geometric mean titer (GMT) and the seropositivity rates (with titers of ≥1:8) were compared at day 56. After each dose, the solicited injection site and general adverse events (AEs) were recorded for 7 days, and unsolicited AEs were recorded for 28 days. At day 56, the seropositivity rates ranged from 99.7% to 100% for the vaccine groups. The NTAb GMTs for the vaccine were 140.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 117.8 to 167.1), 141.5 (95% CI, 118.0 to 169.6), and 146.6 (95% CI, 122.5 to 175.3). The two-sided 95% CI of the log difference in GMTs between the pairs of lots were between -0.176 and 0.176, therefore meeting the predefined equivalence criteria. The percentages of subjects reporting any injection site AEs, general AEs, or serious AEs were similar across the four vaccination groups. In conclusion, the demonstration of consistency between the manufacturing lots confirms for the purposes of clinical development the reliability of the EV71 vaccine production process. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01636245.).

Immunogenicity and safety of Intanza®/IDflu® intradermal influenza vaccine in South Korean adults: A multicenter, randomized trial

Intanza®/IDflu® (Sanofi Pasteur, Lyon, France) is an intradermal inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine developed as an alternative to intramuscular influenza vaccine. The objective of this study was to confirm the immunogenicity and safety of Intanza/IDflu in South Korean adults. In a phase IV multicenter trial, South Korean adults 18–59 y old (n = 120) and ≥ 60 y old (n = 120) were randomized 1:1 to receive a single dose of Intanza/IDflu (9 µg for 18–59 y, 15 µg for ≥ 60 y) or trivalent intramuscular vaccine (Vaxigrip® 15 µg, Sanofi Pasteur, Lyon, France). Blood was collected on pre-vaccination (day 0) and on day 21. Hemagglutination inhibition titers, seroprotection rates and seroconversion rates were determined on day 21. Geometric mean titers, seroprotection and seroconversion rates were similar between the intradermal and intramuscular vaccines in both age groups for all three vaccine strains (A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B). Both vaccines met Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use criteria for all three strains. Solicited systemic reactions of the intradermal groups were generally mild, transient, and similar to those of the intramuscular groups. Solicited injection site reactions were more frequent in the intradermal groups but were mostly mild, transient, and consisted mainly of pain, erythema, and pruritus. No treatment-related serious adverse events or other safety concerns were reported. These results confirm that Intanza/IDflu is an effective and well-tolerated alternative to IM influenza vaccination. (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT ID: NCT01215669)

Safety and immunogenicity of three tetravalent dengue vaccine formulations in healthy adults in the USA

BackgroundA candidate recombinant, live-attenuated, CYD tetravalent dengue vaccine (CYD-TDV) has recently demonstrated immunogenicity, efficacy and good tolerability. This study was performed to evaluate three CYD-TDV formulations in adults. MethodsThis was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, phase II trial. The vaccine formulations were: CYD-TDV 5555 (≈5log10 tissue culture infectious dose 50% [TCID50] of serotypes 1–4); CYD-TDV 5553 (≈5log10 TCID50 of serotypes 1–3 and ≈3log10 TCID50 of serotype 4); and CYD-TDV 4444 (≈4log10 TCID50 of serotypes 1–4). Vaccinations were administered at 0, 6 and 12 months. Immunogenicity was assessed using the plaque reduction neutralization test. ResultsIn total, 260 individuals were enrolled. The 5555 formulation elicited a superior serotype 4 response versus the 5553 formulation, with seropositivity rates of 89.7% and 58.3%, respectively, after the second dose (between-group difference 31.4%; 95% confidence interval 18.2–43.2). After each of the three doses, seropositivity rates for serotypes 1–3 were numerically highest with CYD-TDV 5553 and lowest with the 4444 formulation; seropositivity rates for serotype 4 were similar with the 5555 and 4444 formulations, and much lower among recipients of CYD-TDV 5553. Geometric mean titers followed the same pattern as that seen with seropositivity rates. Safety/reactogenicity results were similar for all three vaccine formulations, although the percentage of participants reporting solicited injection site reactions was lower with CYD-TDV 4444 than with the other two formulations. All serious adverse events were unrelated to vaccination. ConclusionsReducing the dose of serotype 4 antigen (5553 formulation) creates an imbalance in the immune response to CYD-TDV. Immune responses to CYD-TDV 5555 were slightly higher than to the 4444 formulation. Development of CYD-TDV 5555 has subsequently been pursued.

Safety and Immunogenicity of a Hexavalent Vaccine Administered at 2, 4 and 6 Months of Age With or Without a Heptavalent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

DTaP₅-IPV-Hib-HepB, an investigational hexavalent combination vaccine, was evaluated for safety and immunogenicity, when administered to infants with heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7). Infants were randomized to receive DTaP₅-IPV-Hib-HepB plus PCV7, DTaP₅-IPV-Hib-HepB with PCV7 administered 1 month later or DTaP₅-IPV/Hib plus HepB plus PCV7 at 2, 4 and 6 months of age in an open-label, phase IIb trial. Vaccine responses were assessed by pertussis toxoid, filamentous hemagglutinin, pertactin and fimbriae types 2/3 seroconversion rates, Haemophilus influenzae type b polyribosylribitol phosphate capsular polysaccharide, hepatitis B surface antigen, diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid and poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3 seroprotection rates and geometric mean titers. Solicited injection site and systemic reactions, serious adverse events, and other safety outcomes were reported. Seroprotection rates to polyribosylribitol phosphate, hepatitis B surface antigen, diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid and poliovirus antigens across all groups met or exceeded predetermined acceptability criteria. Seroconversion rates to pertussis toxoid, pertactin and fimbriae types 2/3, but not filamentous hemagglutinin, met such criteria. Antidiphtheria antibodies were significantly lower when PCV7 was coadministered. Geometric mean titers to the other antigens of the hexavalent and PCV7 vaccines were all high and similar in the 2 groups. No safety signals were noted. DTaP₅-IPV-Hib-HepB administered at 2, 4 and 6 months of age concomitantly with PCV7 was well tolerated and elicited robust antibody responses to all but the antidiphtheria antigens for which there may be evidence of immune interference. Only filamentous hemagglutinin did not meet seroconversion rate acceptability criteria.

Safety and immunogenicity of the pneumococcal pneumolysin derivative PlyD1 in a single-antigen protein vaccine candidate in adults

BackgroundPneumococcal vaccines based on conserved protein antigens have the potential to offer expanded protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae. ObjectiveThis study examined the safety and immunogenicity in adults of three doses of a pneumococcal single-antigen protein vaccine candidate formulated with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant and recombinantly derived, highly detoxified, genetically mutated pneumolysin protein (PlyD1). MethodsThis phase I, randomized, placebo-controlled, observer-blinded, dose-escalating study enrolled adults (18–50 years). In a pilot safety study, participants received a single injection of 10μg PlyD1 and were observed for 24h. Following review of the pilot safety data, participants were randomized (2:1) to receive two injections of PlyD1 at one of three doses or placebo 30 days apart. Assignment of second injection and successive dose cohorts was made after blinded safety reviews after each injection at each dose level. Safety endpoints included rates of solicited injection site reactions, solicited systemic reactions, unsolicited adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), and safety laboratory tests. Immunogenicity endpoints included geometric mean concentrations of anti-PlyD1 IgG as determined by ELISA and functional assessment in an in vitro toxin neutralization assay. ResultsThe study included a total of 100 participants, including 10 in the pilot study and 90 in the randomized study. None of the participants in the pilot study had SAEs, allergic reactions, or other safety concerns. Ninety participants received two doses of or placebo (n=30) or active vaccine candidate at 10 (n=20), 25 (n=20), or 50μg (n=20). No vaccine-related SAE or discontinuation due to an AE occurred. Most solicited reactions were mild and transient. The most frequently reported solicited reactions were pain at the injection site and myalgia. Antigen-specific IgG levels and functional activity showed dose-related increases. When comparing the three dose levels, a plateau effect was observed at the 25μg dose. ConclusionsAll dose levels were safe and immunogenic. Repeat vaccination significantly increased the level of anti-PlyD1 antibodies. Functional antibody activity was demonstrated in sera from vaccinated individuals (ClinicalTrails.gov no. NCT01444352).

Safety and immunogenicity of a pneumococcal histidine triad protein D vaccine candidate in adults

BackgroundPneumococcal vaccines based on conserved protein antigens have the potential to offer expanded protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae. ObjectiveTo explore safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant protein vaccine candidate against S. pneumoniae composed of adjuvanted pneumococcal histidine triad protein D (PhtD). MethodsThis phase I, exploratory, open-label, single-center clinical study enrolled adults (18–50 years). Participants in a pilot safety cohort received a single intramuscular injection of 6μg. Following safety review, 3 dose cohorts were enrolled (6, 25, and 100μg); participants received 2 injections administered approximately 30 days apart. Assignment of the second injection and successive dose cohorts were made after blinded safety reviews after each injection at each dose level. Safety endpoints included rates of solicited injection site and systemic reactions, unsolicited adverse events, serious adverse events, and safety laboratory tests. Immunogenicity endpoints included levels of anti-PhtD antibodies as measured by ELISA. ResultsSixty-three participants were enrolled and received the pilot safety dose (n=3) or at least 1 dose of PhtD vaccine candidate at 6μg (n=20), 25μg (n=20), or 100μg (n=20). No safety concerns were identified. No vaccine-related serious adverse event was reported. The most common solicited injection site reaction was pain and most common solicited systemic reactions were myalgia and headache; most reactions were mild and transient. Observed geometric mean concentrations (95% CI) were 200.99 ELISA units (148.46, 272.10), 352.07 (193.49, 640.63), and 699.15 (405.49, 1205.48) post-injection 1 in the 6, 25, and 100μg dose cohorts, respectively, and 378.25 (275.56, 519.21), 837.32 (539.29, 1300.04), and 1568.62 (1082.92, 2272.16) post-injection 2. ConclusionsAll dose levels were safe and immunogenic. The frequency of solicited reactions was highest at the 100μg dose. Administration of a second injection significantly increased the levels of anti-PhtD antibodies (ClinicalTrials.gov registry no. NCT01444001).

Safety and immunogenicity of pneumococcal protein vaccine candidates: Monovalent choline-binding protein A (PcpA) vaccine and bivalent PcpA–pneumococcal histidine triad protein D vaccine

BackgroundPneumococcal vaccines based on protein antigens may provide expanded protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae. ObjectiveTo evaluate safety and immunogenicity in adults of pneumococcal vaccine candidates comprising S. pneumoniae pneumococcal histidine triad protein D (PhtD) and pneumococcal choline-binding protein A (PcpA) in monovalent and bivalent formulations. MethodsThis was a phase I, randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled, step-wise dose-escalation study. Following a pilot safety study in which participants received one intramuscular injection of either aluminum hydroxide (AH)–adjuvanted PcpA (25μg) or PhtD–PcpA (10μg each), participants in the main study received AH–adjuvanted PcpA (25μg), AH–adjuvanted PhtD–PcpA (10, 25, or 50μg each), unadjuvanted PhtD–PcpA (25μg each), or placebo as 2 injections 30 days apart. Assignment of successive dose cohorts was made after blinded safety reviews after each dose level. Safety endpoints included rates of solicited injection site and systemic reactions, unsolicited adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), and safety laboratory tests. Immunogenicity endpoints included levels of anti-PhtD and anti-PcpA antibodies (ELISA). ResultsSix adults 18–50 years of age were included in the pilot study and 125 in the main study. No obvious increases in solicited reactions or unsolicited AEs were reported with escalating doses (adjuvanted vaccine) after either injection, or with repeated administration. Adjuvanted vaccine candidates were associated with a higher incidence of solicited reactions (particularly injection site reactions) than unadjuvanted vaccine candidates. However, no SAE or discontinuation due to an AE occurred. Geometric mean concentrations of anti-PhtD IgG and anti-PcpA IgG increased significantly after injection 2 compared with injection 1 at each dose level. No enhancement of immune responses was shown with adjuvanted vaccine candidates compared with the unadjuvanted vaccine candidate. In the dose-escalating comparison, a plateau effect at the 25μg dose was observed as measured by geometric mean concentrations and by fold increases. ConclusionsPromising safety profiles and immunogenicity of these monovalent and bivalent protein vaccine candidates were demonstrated in an adult population (ClinicalTrials.gov registry no. NCT01444339).

Safety and Immunogenicity of an Investigational Fully Liquid Hexavalent DTaP-IPV-Hep B-PRP-T Vaccine at Two, Four and Six Months of Age Compared With Licensed Vaccines in Latin America

This trial assessed the safety of a fully liquid investigational hexavalent DTaP-IPV-Hep B-PRP-T vaccine containing 10 μg Hansenula polymorpha-derived recombinant hepatitis B (hep B) antigen for primary vaccination of infants at 2, 4 and 6 months of age compared with licensed comparators. Participants received the DTaP-IPV-Hep B-PRP-T vaccine (group 1, N = 1422) or licensed DTwP-Hep B//Hib (Tritanrix-Hep B/Hib) and oral poliovirus vaccines (group 2, N = 711). The incidence of severe fever (≥ 39.6°C rectal equivalent) in the 2 groups was compared statistically; reactogenicity was evaluated from parental reports. Anti-Hep B antibody titers were measured in a subset of participants (no hepatitis B vaccination at birth) 1 month after dose 3. The investigational vaccine was well tolerated. After any dose, fever (rectal equivalent temperature ≥ 38°C) was observed in 74.8% and 92.7% of participants in groups 1 and 2; severe fever was observed in 4.0% and 5.5% of participants. Solicited injection site and systemic reactions were numerically less frequent in group 1 than group 2, although this difference was not assessed statistically. In both groups, all participants included in the immunogenicity analysis achieved anti-Hep B ≥ 10 mIU/mL and ≥ 96.2% of participants achieved anti-Hep B ≥ 100 mIU/mL, although geometric mean titer was approximately 3-fold lower for the investigational vaccine. This new, fully liquid acellular pertussis hexavalent vaccine demonstrated less reactogenicity than the licensed comparator whole cell pertussis vaccine and was highly immunogenic for the new Hep B valence.

The first use of an investigational multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) in humans

Background: Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B is a well-recognized cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis for which no broadly protective vaccine exists. Whole genome sequencing was used to identify three antigens: factor H binding protein (fHbp), Neisserial adhesin A (NadA), and Neisseria heparin binding antigen (NHBA) for an investigational vaccine candidate (rMenB). This was the first trial of an investigational multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB), containing rMenB and outer membrane vesicles (OMV) from the New Zealand epidemic strain in humans. Results: Seventy adults enrolled and received study vaccine. All vaccines were generally well tolerated. Immune responses were observed to multiple serogroup B strains following all investigational vaccines, suggesting the potential for broad coverage against this serogroup. Immunogenicity was enhanced by the addition of OMV; the 4CMenB displayed the optimal profile for further investigation. Methods: In a phase I, observer blind, randomized trial, healthy adults (18-40 years of age) were randomized 2:2:1 to receive 3 doses of 4CMenB, rMenB with OMV from the Norwegian outbreak strain, or rMenB alone. Pre- and postvaccination sera were evaluated in a serum bactericidal assay using human complement (hSBA) against a panel of 15 serogroup B strains, with titers ≥4 considered protective. Solicited injection site and systemic reactions were evaluated for 7 days following each vaccination and adverse events were reported throughout the study. Conclusion: In this trial, 4CMenB displayed a favorable profile for further clinical development. 4CMenB demonstrated immunogenicity against multiple heterologous serogroup B strains. All vaccines were generally well tolerated in this study.

Use of an investigational multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) in a clinical trial in 3630 infants

BackgroundProtecting infants against serogroup B meningococcal disease is a long-standing public health need. An investigational multicomponent vaccine (4CMenB) containing three recombinant proteins identified using whole-genome sequencing and outer membrane vesicles...