Safety and immunogenicity of a subtype C ALVAC-HIV (vCP2438) vaccine prime plus bivalent subtype C gp120 vaccine boost adjuvanted with MF59 or alum in healthy adults without HIV (HVTN 107): A phase 1/2a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Adjuvants are widely used to enhance and/or direct vaccine-induced immune responses yet rarely evaluated head-to-head. Our trial directly compared immune responses elicited by MF59 versus alum adjuvants in the RV144-like HIV vaccine regimen modified for the Southern African region. The RV144 trial of a recombinant canarypox vaccine vector expressing HIV env subtype B (ALVAC-HIV) prime followed by ALVAC-HIV plus a bivalent gp120 protein vaccine boost adjuvanted with alum is the only trial to have shown modest HIV vaccine efficacy. Data generated after RV144 suggested that use of MF59 adjuvant might allow lower protein doses to be used while maintaining robust immune responses. We evaluated safety and immunogenicity of an HIV recombinant canarypox vaccine vector expressing HIV env subtype C (ALVAC-HIV) prime followed by ALVAC-HIV plus a bivalent gp120 protein vaccine boost (gp120) adjuvanted with alum (ALVAC-HIV+gp120/alum) or MF59 (ALVAC-HIV+gp120/MF59) or unadjuvanted (ALVAC-HIV+gp120/no-adjuvant) and a regimen where ALVAC-HIV+gp120 adjuvanted with MF59 was used for the prime and boost (ALVAC-HIV+gp120/MF59 coadministration). METHODS AND FINDINGS: Between June 19, 2017 and June 14, 2018, 132 healthy adults without HIV in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique were randomized to receive intramuscularly: (1) 2 priming doses of ALVAC-HIV (months 0 and 1) followed by 3 booster doses of ALVAC-HIV+gp120/MF59 (months 3, 6, and 12), n = 36; (2) 2 priming doses of ALVAC-HIV (months 0 and 1) followed by 3 booster doses of ALVAC-HIV+gp120/alum (months 3, 6, and 12), n = 36; (3) 4 doses of ALVAC-HIV+gp120/MF59 coadministered (months 0, 1, 6, and 12), n = 36; or (4) 2 priming doses of ALVAC-HIV (months 0 and 1) followed by 3 booster doses of ALVAC-HIV+gp120/no adjuvant (months 3, 6, and 12), n = 24. Primary outcomes were safety and occurrence and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of vaccine-induced gp120-specific IgG and IgA binding antibodies at month 6.5. All vaccinations were safe and well-tolerated; increased alanine aminotransferase was the most frequent related adverse event, occurring in 2 (1.5%) participants (1 severe, 1 mild). At month 6.5, vaccine-specific gp120 IgG binding antibodies were detected in 100% of vaccinees for all 4 vaccine groups. No significant differences were seen in the occurrence and net MFI of vaccine-specific IgA responses between the ALVAC-HIV+gp120/MF59-prime-boost and ALVAC-HIV+gp120/alum-prime-boost groups or between the ALVAC-HIV+gp120/MF59-prime-boost and ALVAC-HIV+gp120/MF59 coadministration groups. Limitations were the relatively small sample size per group and lack of evaluation of higher gp120 doses. CONCLUSIONS: Although MF59 was expected to enhance immune responses, alum induced similar responses to MF59, suggesting that the choice between these adjuvants may not be critical for the ALVAC+gp120 regimen. TRIAL REGISTRATION: HVTN 107 was registered with the South African National Clinical Trials Registry (DOH-27-0715-4894) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03284710).

Efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of IC43 recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine in mechanically ventilated intensive care patients-a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are a serious threat in intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this confirmatory, randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 2/3 study was to assess the efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of IC43 recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine in non-surgical ICU patients. METHODS: Eight hundred patients aged 18 to 80 years admitted to the ICU with expected need for mechanical ventilation for ≥ 48 h were randomized 1:1 to either IC43 100 µg or saline placebo, given in two vaccinations 7 days apart. The primary efficacy endpoint was all-cause mortality in patients 28 days after the first vaccination. Immunogenicity and safety were also evaluated. FINDINGS: All-cause mortality rates at day 28 were 29.2% vs 27.7% in the IC43 and placebo groups, respectively (P = .67). Overall survival (Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, P = .46) and proportion of patients with ≥ one confirmed P. aeruginosa invasive infection or respiratory tract infection also did not differ significantly between both groups. The geometric mean fold increase in OprF/I titers was 1.5 after the first vaccination, 20 at day 28, after the second vaccination, and 2.9 at day 180. Significantly more patients in the placebo group (96.5%) had ≥ one adverse event (AE) versus the IC43 100 µg group (93.1%) (P = .04). The most frequently reported severe AEs in the IC43 and placebo groups were respiratory failure (6.9% vs 5.7%, respectively), septic shock (4.1% vs 6.5%), cardiac arrest (4.3% vs 5.7%), multiorgan failure (4.6% vs 5.5%), and sepsis (4.6% vs 4.2%). No related serious AEs were reported in the IC43 group. INTERPRETATION: The IC43 100 µg vaccine was well tolerated in this large population of medically ill, mechanically ventilated patients. The vaccine achieved high immunogenicity but provided no clinical benefit over placebo in terms of overall mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01563263). Registration was sent to ClinicalTrials.gov on March 14, 2012, but posted by ClinicalTrials.gov on March 26, 2012. The first subject was included in the trial on March 22, 2012.

Safety and Immunogenicity of Cell Culture-Derived A/H3N2 Variant Influenza Vaccines: A Phase I Randomized, Observer-Blind, Dose-Ranging Study.

BACKGROUND: A/H3N2 variant (H3N2v) influenza may sustain human-to-human transmission, and an available candidate vaccine would be important. METHODS: In this phase I, randomized, observer-blind, dose-ranging study, 627 healthy subjects ≥ 3 years of age were randomized to receive 2 vaccinations with H3N2c cell-culture-derived vaccine doses containing 3.75 µg, 7.5 µg, or 15 µg hemagglutinin antigen of H3N2v with or without MF59 (registered trademark of Novartis AG) adjuvant (an oil-in-water emulsion). This paper reports Day 43 planned interim data. RESULTS: Single MF59-adjuvanted H3N2c doses elicited immune responses in almost all subjects regardless of antigen and adjuvant dose; the Center for Biologics Evaluation Research and Review (CBER) licensure criteria were met for all groups. Subjects with prevaccination hemagglutination inhibition titers <10 and children 3-<9 years achieve CBER criteria only after receiving 2 doses of nonadjuvanted H3N2c vaccine. Highest antibody titers were observed in the 7.5 µg + 0.25 mL MF59 groups in all age cohorts. MF59-adjuvanted H3N2c vaccines showed the highest rates of solicited local and systemic events, predominately mild or moderate. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of H3N2c vaccine may be immunogenic and supports further development of MF59-adjuvanted H3N2c vaccines, especially for pediatric populations. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01855945 (http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01855945).

Manufacturers' postmarketing safety surveillance of influenza vaccine exposure in pregnancy.

Pregnant women are at increased risk for hospitalization and death with influenza infection. The limited data on safety and effectiveness of influenza immunization in pregnancy emphasizes the importance of developing new and well-designed studies and of enhancing safety surveillance in pregnant women who are vaccinated with licensed influenza vaccines. Pregnancy exposure registries aim to collect and maintain data on the effects of marketed drugs and vaccines, when prescribed in pregnancy or during breastfeeding, on the women themselves and their children. Women who are prescribed a medication or vaccine as part of their routine clinical care can be enrolled directly or through reporting health care providers on a voluntary basis. Such registries generally are established for products that are intended for use by adolescents and adults and are a key component of the safety monitoring of licensed products. This article reviews some of the pregnancy registries that have been established for US-licensed vaccines, which includes influenza vaccines, and other postlicensure safety surveillance efforts for monitoring safety in vaccinated pregnant women.

Safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated eastern equine encephalitis virus vaccine.

BACKGROUND: Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a mosquito borne alphavirus spread primarily in Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions of the United States. EEEV is the causative agent of a devastating meningoencephalitis syndrome, with approximately 30% mortality and significant morbidity. There is no licensed human vaccine against EEEV. An inactivated EEEV vaccine has been offered under investigational new drug (IND) protocols at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) since 1976. METHODS: Healthy at-risk laboratory personnel received inactivated PE-6 strain EEEV (TSI-GSD 104) vaccine under two separate IND protocols. Protocol FY 99-11 (2002-2008) had a primary series consisting of doses on day 0, 7, and 28. Protocol FY 06-31 (2008-2016) utilized a primary series with doses on day 0 and 28, and month 6. Participants with an inadequate immune response, plaque reduction neutralization test with 80% cut-off (PRNT80) titer < 40, received booster vaccination. Volunteers with prior EEEV vaccination were eligible to enroll for booster doses based on annual titer evaluation. RESULTS: The FY06-31 dosing schema resulted in significantly greater post-primary series immune response (PRNT80 ≥ 40) rates (84% vs 54%) and geometric mean titers (184.1 vs 39.4). The FY 06-31 dosing schema also resulted in significantly greater cumulative annual immune response rates from 1 to up to 7 years post vaccination (75% vs 59%) and geometric mean of titers (60.1 vs 43.0). The majority of probably or definitely related adverse events were mild and local; there were no probably or definitely related serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Inactivated PE-6 EEEV vaccine is safe and immunogenic in at-risk laboratory personnel. A prolonged primary series, with month 6 dose, significantly improved vaccine immunogenicity both post-primary series and longitudinally on annual titers. Despite decades of safe use under IND, full licensure is not planned due to manufacturing constraints, and ongoing development of alternatives.

Concomitant or sequential administration of live attenuated Japanese encephalitis chimeric virus vaccine and yellow fever 17D vaccine: randomized double-blind phase II evaluation of safety and immunogenicity.

A randomized, double-blind, study was conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of a live attenuated Japanese encephalitis chimeric virus vaccine (JE-CV) co-administered with live attenuated yellow fever vaccine (YF-17D strain; Stamaril®, Sanofi Pasteur) or administered successively. Participants (n = 108) were randomized to receive: YF followed by JE-CV 30 days later, JE followed by YF 30 days later, or the co-administration of JE and YF followed or preceded by placebo 30 days later or earlier. Placebo was used in a double-dummy fashion to ensure masking. Neutralizing antibody titers against JE-CV, YF-17D and selected wild-type JE strains was determined using a 50% serum-dilution plaque reduction neutralization test. Seroconversion was defined as the appearance of a neutralizing antibody titer above the assay cut-off post-immunization when not present pre-injection at day 0, or a least a four-fold rise in neutralizing antibody titer measured before the pre-injection day 0 and later post vaccination samples. There were no serious adverse events. Most adverse events (AEs) after JE vaccination were mild to moderate in intensity, and similar to those reported following YF vaccination. Seroconversion to JE-CV was 100% and 91% in the JE/YF and YF/JE sequential vaccination groups, respectively, compared with 96% in the co-administration group. All participants seroconverted to YF vaccine and retained neutralizing titers above the assay cut-off at month six. Neutralizing antibodies against JE vaccine were detected in 82-100% of participants at month six. These results suggest that both vaccines may be successfully co-administered simultaneously or 30 days apart.

Long term immunity to live attenuated Japanese encephalitis chimeric virus vaccine: randomized, double-blind, 5-year phase II study in healthy adults.

In a randomized, double-blind study, 202 healthy adults were randomized to receive a live, attenuated Japanese encephalitis chimeric virus vaccine (JE-CV) and placebo 28 days apart in a cross-over design. A subgroup of 98 volunteers received a JE-CV booster at month 6. Safety, immunogenicity, and persistence of antibodies to month 60 were evaluated. There were no unexpected adverse events (AEs) and the incidence of AEs between JE-CV and placebo were similar. There were three serious adverse events (SAE) and no deaths. A moderately severe case of acute viral illness commencing 39 days after placebo administration was the only SAE considered possibly related to immunization. 99% of vaccine recipients achieved a seroprotective antibody titer ≥ 10 to JE-CV 28 days following the single dose of JE-CV, and 97% were seroprotected at month 6. Kaplan Meier analysis showed that after a single dose of JE-CV, 87% of the participants who were seroprotected at month 6 were still protected at month 60. This rate was 96% among those who received a booster immunization at month 6. 95% of subjects developed a neutralizing titer ≥ 10 against at least three of the four strains of a panel of wild-type Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) strains on day 28 after immunization. At month 60, that proportion was 65% for participants who received a single dose of JE-CV and 75% for the booster group. These results suggest that JE-CV is safe, well tolerated and that a single dose provides long-lasting immunity to wild-type strains.

Phase 2 clinical trial of three formulations of tetravalent live-attenuated dengue vaccine in flavivirus-naïve adults.

Sixteen dose formulations of our live-attenuated tetravalent dengue virus vaccines (TDV) were previously evaluated for safety and immunogenicity. Two of the sixteen candidate TDV formulations (Formulations 13 and 14) were selected for further evaluation. A new TDV formulation, Formulation 17, using a higher primary dog kidney (PDK) cell passage Dengue-1 virus (DENV-1) and a lower PDK cell passage DENV-4, was developed to optimize the neutralizing antibody response. All three formulations consist of combinations of 10exp3-5 pfu/dose of the four dengue vaccine virus serotypes. This double-blind, randomized trial in 71 healthy adult subjects evaluated vaccine safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity. TDV's were given subcutaneously in the deltoid on Day 0 and 180 (6 months). Subjects were seen in clinic on Study Days 0, 10, 28, 180, 190 and 208 and filled out daily symptom diaries for 21 days after each vaccination. Formulation 13 was the most reactogenic, while both Formulations 14 and 17 were similar in reported reactions. Seventy-five percent, 31% and 31% of subjects were viremic on Day 10 after primary vaccination with Formulations 13, 14 and 17 respectively. Viremia was not detected in any subject following the second dose of vaccine. The immunogenicity endpoint was neutralizing antibody titer one month after the second vaccination. Thirty-six percent, 40% and 63% of vaccinated subjects developed tetravalent neutralizing antibodies after two doses of Formulations 13, 14 and 17, respectively. Formulation 17 was selected for further clinical evaluation based on this study.

Safety, Tolerability and Immunogenicity of an MF59-adjuvanted, Cell Culture-derived, A/H5N1, Subunit Influenza Virus Vaccine: Results From a Dose-finding Clinical Trial in Healthy Pediatric Subjects.

BACKGROUND: A/H5N1 influenza virus has significant pandemic potential, and vaccination is the main prophylactic measure. This phase 2, randomized, observer-blind, multicenter study evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of two MF59-adjuvanted, cell culture-derived H5N1 (aH5N1c) vaccine formulations in healthy pediatric subjects 6 months to 17 years old. METHODS: Subjects (N = 662) received 2 aH5N1c doses 3 weeks apart, containing either 7.5 µg (full dose) or 3.75 µg (half dose) hemagglutinin antigen per dose. Local reactions and adverse events (AEs) were assessed by age. Antibody responses were measured by hemagglutination inhibition assay and assessed as geometric mean titers, geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and percentages of subjects achieving titers ≥1:40 and seroconversion (NCT01776554). RESULTS: No vaccine-related serious AEs occurred. Incidence of solicited local reactions and systemic AEs were similar across vaccine groups. Tenderness and irritability in <6-year olds, and injection site pain, myalgia and fatigue in 6-17-year olds were the most commonly reported reactions in both full- and half-dose recipients. Frequencies of AEs were lower after the second dose than the first dose in all vaccine and age groups. Three weeks after the administration of a second dose, both full- and half-dose formulations met the Center for Biologics Evaluation Research and Review (United States) and Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (EU) licensure criteria for titers ≥1:40 (full dose 96% subjects; half dose 86%), seroconversion (full dose 96% subjects; half dose 86%), and GMR (full dose GMR 262; half dose 84). Antibody responses were highest in 6-35-month olds. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric subjects, both aH5N1c vaccine formulations were well tolerated and highly immunogenic, meeting both US and EU licensure criteria for pandemic influenza vaccines.

Safety and Immunogenicity of MF59-Adjuvanted Cell Culture-Derived A/H5N1 Subunit Influenza Virus Vaccine: Dose-Finding Clinical Trials in Adults and the Elderly.

BACKGROUND: A/H5N1 influenza viruses have high pandemic potential; consequently, vaccines need to be produced rapidly. MF59® adjuvant reduces the antigen required per dose, allowing for dose sparing and more rapid vaccine availability. METHODS: Two multicenter, phase II trials were conducted to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of an MF59-adjuvanted, cell culture-derived, A/H5N1 vaccine (aH5N1c) among 979 adult (18-64 years old) and 1393 elderly (≥65 years old) subjects. Participants were equally randomized to receive 2 full-dose (7.5 µg of hemagglutinin antigen per dose) or 2 half-dose aH5N1c vaccinations 3 weeks apart. Outcomes were based on Center for Biologics Evaluation Research and Review (CBER) and Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) licensure criteria (titers ≥1:40 and seroconversions on day 43). Solicited reactions and adverse events were assessed (www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01776541 and NCT01766921). RESULTS: CBER and CHMP criteria were met by both age groups. CBER criteria for hemagglutination titers were met for the full-dose formulation. Solicited reaction frequencies tended to be higher in the full-dose group and were of mild to moderate intensity. No vaccine-related serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In adult and elderly participants, the full-dose aH5N1c vaccine formulation was well tolerated and met US and European licensure criteria for pandemic vaccines.

Early indicators of exposure to biological threat agents using host gene profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

BACKGROUND: Effective prophylaxis and treatment for infections caused by biological threat agents (BTA) rely upon early diagnosis and rapid initiation of therapy. Most methods for identifying pathogens in body fluids and tissues require that the pathogen proliferate to detectable and dangerous levels, thereby delaying diagnosis and treatment, especially during the prelatent stages when symptoms for most BTA are indistinguishable flu-like signs. METHODS: To detect exposures to the various pathogens more rapidly, especially during these early stages, we evaluated a suite of host responses to biological threat agents using global gene expression profiling on complementary DNA arrays. RESULTS: We found that certain gene expression patterns were unique to each pathogen and that other gene changes occurred in response to multiple agents, perhaps relating to the eventual course of illness. Nonhuman primates were exposed to some pathogens and the in vitro and in vivo findings were compared. We found major gene expression changes at the earliest times tested post exposure to aerosolized B. anthracis spores and 30 min post exposure to a bacterial toxin. CONCLUSION: Host gene expression patterns have the potential to serve as diagnostic markers or predict the course of impending illness and may lead to new stage-appropriate therapeutic strategies to ameliorate the devastating effects of exposure to biothreat agents.

Immunogenicity and safety of MF59-adjuvanted and full-dose unadjuvanted trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines among vaccine-naïve children in a randomized clinical trial in rural Senegal.

INTRODUCTION: Effective, programmatically suitable influenza vaccines are needed for low-resource countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This phase II, placebo-controlled, randomized safety and immunogenicity trial (NCT01819155) was conducted in Senegal using the 2012-2013 Northern Hemisphere trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) formulation. Participants were allocated in a 2:2:1 ratio to receive TIV (full-dose for all age groups), adjuvanted TIV (aTIV), or placebo. Participants were stratified into age groups: 6-11, 12-35, and 36-71 months. All participants were vaccine-naïve and received two doses of study vaccine 4 weeks apart. The two independent primary objectives were to estimate the immunogenicity of TIV and of aTIV as the proportion of children with a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titer of ≥1:40 to each vaccine strain at 28 days post-dose two. Safety was evaluated by solicited local and systemic reactions, unsolicited adverse events, and serious adverse events. RESULTS: 296 children received TIV, aTIV, or placebo, and 235 were included in the final analysis. After two doses, children aged 6-11, 12-35, and 36-71 months receiving TIV had HI titers ≥1:40 against A/H1N1 (73.1%, 94.1%, and 97.0%), A/H3N2 (96.2%, 100.0%, and 100.0%), and B (80.8%, 97.1%, and 97.0%), respectively. After two doses, 100% children aged 6-11, 12-35, and 36-71 months receiving aTIV had ≥1:40 titers against A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B. After a single dose, the aTIV response was comparable to or greater than the TIV response for all vaccine strains. TIV and aTIV reactogenicity were similar, except for mild elevation in temperature (37.5-38.4 °C) which occurred more frequently in aTIV than TIV after each vaccine dose. TIV and aTIV had similarly increased pain/tenderness at the injection site compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Both aTIV and full-dose TIV were well-tolerated and immunogenic in children aged 6-71 months. These vaccines may play a role in programmatically suitable strategies to prevent influenza in low-resource settings.

Efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of a parenteral vaccine against Helicobacter pylori in healthy volunteers challenged with a Cag-positive strain: a randomised, placebo-controlled phase 1/2 study.

BACKGROUND: Intramuscular immunisation with a vaccine composed of three recombinant Helicobacter pylori antigens-vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA), cytotoxin-associated antigen (CagA), and neutrophil-activating protein (NAP)-prevented infection in animal models and was well tolerated and highly immunogenic in healthy adults. We aimed to assess the efficacy of the vaccine in prevention of a H pylori infection after challenge with a CagA-positive strain (BCM 300) in healthy volunteers. METHODS: In this randomised phase 1/2, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, single-centre study, healthy non-pregnant adults aged 18-40 years who were confirmed negative for H pylori infection were randomly assigned (3:4) to three intramuscular doses of either placebo or vaccine at 0, 1, and 2 months. Randomisation was via a computer-generated list with study numbers ensuring the correct ratio within a block size of seven. Participants were consecutively assigned in a double-blind manner to existing study numbers of the study protocol. Investigators and participants were blinded to allocation throughout the study. One month after the third immunisation, participants underwent challenge with a CagA-positive H pylori strain, which, for safety reasons, was initially administered in a subset of participants. The primary efficacy outcome was the efficacy of the vaccine as measured by the proportion of participants infected with H pylori 12 weeks after the challenge. At the end of the study, participants infected with H pylori were treated for 14 days with combination therapy consisting of a proton pump inhibitor and two antibiotics twice daily. Safety and immunogenicity were monitored at pre-established visits. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00736476, and is completed. FINDINGS: 63 patients were randomly assigned, 27 to placebo and 36 to the vaccine. 34 participants (19 in the vaccinated group and 15 in the placebo group) underwent infectious challenge, all but one of whom experienced transient mild-to-moderate epigastric symptoms. 12 weeks after infectious challenge, six (32%) of 19 people in the vaccinated group and six (40%) of 15 people in the placebo group remained positive for H pylori. Eradication was successful in everyone who remained infected at 12 weeks. The geometric mean concentrations of antibodies specific to CagA (202 [95% CI 69-588] vs 4·73 [95% CI 1·41-16]; p=0·001), VacA (1469 [838-2577] vs 73 [39-138]; p=0·001), and NAP (208 [139-313] vs 8·01 [5·05-13]; p=0·001) were significantly higher in the vaccine group than in the placebo group 12 weeks after infectious challenge. INTERPRETATION: Compared with placebo, the vaccine did not confer additional protection against H pylori infection after challenge with a CagA-positive strain, despite increased systemic humoral responses to key H pylori antigens. The finding of spontaneous clearance of H pylori infection in more than half the participants in the placebo group is remarkable and suggests important immune protection in the healthy adult population. FUNDING: Novartis Vaccine and Diagnostics.

Subtype C ALVAC-HIV and bivalent subtype C gp120/MF59 HIV-1 vaccine in low-risk, HIV-uninfected, South African adults: a phase 1/2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Modest efficacy was reported for the HIV vaccine tested in the RV144 trial, which comprised a canarypox vector (ALVAC) and envelope (env) glycoprotein (gp120). These vaccine components were adapted to express HIV-1 antigens from strains circulating in South Africa, and the adjuvant was changed to increase immunogenicity. Furthermore, 12-month immunisation was added to improve durability. In the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) 100 trial, we aimed to assess this new regionally adapted regimen for advancement to efficacy testing. METHODS: HVTN 100 is a phase 1/2, randomised controlled, double-blind trial at six community research sites in South Africa. We randomly allocated adults (aged 18-40 years) without HIV infection and at low risk of HIV infection to either the vaccine regimen (intramuscular injection of ALVAC-HIV vector [vCP2438] at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months plus bivalent subtype C gp120 and MF59 adjuvant at 3, 6, and 12 months) or placebo, in a 5:1 ratio. Randomisation was done by computer-generated list. Participants, investigators, and those assessing outcomes were masked to random assignments. Primary outcomes included safety and immune responses associated with correlates of HIV risk in RV144, 2 weeks after vaccination at 6 months (month 6·5). We compared per-protocol participants (ie, those who completed the first four vaccinations and provided samples at month 6·5) from HVTN 100 with stored RV144 samples assayed contemporaneously. This trial is registered with the South African National Clinical Trials Registry (DOH-27-0215-4796) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02404311). FINDINGS: Between Feb 9, 2015, and May 26, 2015, 252 participants were enrolled, of whom 210 were assigned vaccine and 42 placebo. 222 participants were included in the per-protocol analysis (185 vaccine and 37 placebo). 185 (100%) vaccine recipients developed IgG binding antibodies to all three vaccine-matched gp120 antigens with significantly higher titres (3·6-8·8 fold; all p<0·0001) than the corresponding vaccine-matched responses of RV144. The CD4+ T-cell response to the ZM96.C env protein in HVTN 100 was 56·4% (n=102 responders), compared with a response of 41·4% (n=79 responders) to 92TH023.AE in RV144 (p=0·0050). The IgG response to the 1086.C variable loops 1 and 2 (V1V2) env antigen in HVTN 100 was 70·5% (95% CI 63·5-76·6; n=129 responders), lower than the response to V1V2 in RV144 (99·0%, 95% CI 96·4-99·7; n=199 responders). INTERPRETATION: Although the IgG response to the HVTN 100 vaccine was lower than that reported in RV144, it exceeded the predicted 63% threshold needed for 50% vaccine efficacy using a V1V2 correlate of protection model. Thus, the subtype C HIV vaccine regimen qualified for phase 2b/3 efficacy testing, a critical next step of vaccine development. FUNDING: US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Selection of HIV vaccine candidates for concurrent testing in an efficacy trial.

Phase IIb or III HIV-1 vaccine efficacy trials are generally large and operationally challenging. To mitigate this challenge, the HIV Vaccine Trials Network is designing a Phase IIb efficacy trial accommodating the evaluation of multiple vaccine regimens concurrently. As this efficacy trial would evaluate a limited number of vaccine regimens, there is a need to develop a framework for optimizing the strategic selection of regimens from the large number of vaccine candidates tested in Phase I/IIa trials. In this paper we describe the approaches for the selection process, including the choice of immune response endpoints and the statistical criteria and algorithms. We illustrate the selection approaches using data from HIV-1 vaccine trials.

Vaccination of human volunteers with monovalent and tetravalent live-attenuated dengue vaccine candidates.

Four serotypes of monovalent live attenuated dengue virus vaccine candidates were tested for reactogenicity and immunogenicity in 49 flavivirus non-immune adult human volunteers. The four monovalent candidates were then combined into a tetravalent formulation and given to another 10 volunteers. Neutralizing antibody seroconversion rates after a single-dose monovalent vaccination ranged from 53% to 100%. Solicited reactogenicity was scored by each volunteer. A composite index, the Reactogenicity Index, was derived by these self-reported scores. Reactogenicity differed among the four serotype candidates with serotype-1 associated with the most vaccine related side effects. A second dose of monovalent vaccines at either 30 days or 90 days was much less reactogenic but did not significantly increase seroconversion rates. Seroconversion rates in the 10 volunteers who received a single dose of tetravalent vaccine ranged from 30% to 70% among the four serotypes. Similar to the monovalent vaccines, a second dose of the tetravalent vaccine at one month was less reactogenic and did not increase seroconversion. A third dose of the tetravalent vaccine at four months resulted in three of four volunteers with trivalent or tetravalent high-titer neutralizing antibody responses.

Phase I trial of 16 formulations of a tetravalent live-attenuated dengue vaccine.

Laboratory-attenuated strains of each of the four dengue serotypes previously tested as monovalent vaccines in volunteers were combined and tested for immunogenicity, safety, and reactogenicity in 16 dosage combinations. Tetravalent vaccines made using combinations of high (10(5-6) plaque-forming units [PFU]/dose) or low (10(3.5-4.5) PFU/dose) dosage formulations of each of the four viruses were inoculated in 64 flavivirus non-immune adult volunteers to determine which, if any, formulation raised neutralizing antibodies in at least 75% of volunteers to at least three of four dengue serotypes following one or two inoculations. Such formulations, if safe and sufficiently non-reactogenic, would be considered for an expanded Phase II trial in the future. Formulations 1-15 were each inoculated into three or four volunteers (total = 54) on days 0 and 28. Formulation 16 was tested in 10 volunteers, five volunteers inoculated on days 0 and 30, one volunteer on days 0 and 120, and four volunteers on days 0, 30, and 120. Blood was drawn for serologic assays immediately before and one month after each vaccination, and for viremia assay on day 10 after each vaccination. The 16 formulations were safe, but variably reactogenic after the first vaccination, and nearly non-reactogenic after the second and third vaccinations. Reactogenicity was positively correlated with immunogenicity. Similar proportions of volunteers seroconverted to dengue-1 (69%), dengue-2 (78%), and dengue-3 (69%), but significantly fewer volunteers seroconverted to dengue-4 (38%). The geometric mean 50% plaque reduction neutralization test titers in persons who seroconverted were significantly higher to dengue-1 (1:94) than to dengue-2 (1:15), dengue-3 (1:10), and dengue-4 (1:2). Seven formulations met the serologic criteria required for an expanded trial, and three of these were sufficiently attenuated clinically to justify further testing.

A cell culture-derived MF59-adjuvanted pandemic A/H7N9 vaccine is immunogenic in adults.

A potentially deadly A/H7N9 avian-origin influenza virus is currently the cause of an ongoing outbreak in China. Preparedness plans have thus been initiated to preempt the spread of this virus, which appears to have substantial pandemic potential. To effectively prevent a pandemic from unfolding, rapid production of an immunogenic vaccine with an acceptable safety profile is critical. Given the significance to public health, we are reporting immunogenicity and safety results from a phase 1 study in healthy adults administered one of four inactivated A/H7N9 vaccine formulations. Three formulations contained increasing quantities of antigen and of an oil-in-water adjuvant, MF59, and one formulation contained only the maximum dose of antigen without adjuvant. All vaccine formulations were derived using a synthetic virus seed technology in combination with a cell culture approach; together, these techniques have been shown to expedite vaccine production compared to conventional methods. Higher responses were seen with the MF59-adjuvanted versus the nonadjuvanted A/H7N9 vaccine, with significant and potentially protective immune responses after two doses in most subjects with no preexisting immunity to the H7N9 virus. Further, despite increased injection site pain and other mild effects with MF59, all formulations were well tolerated. These encouraging immunogenicity and safety data on the A/H7N9 vaccine provide a strong rationale for further clinical development. By also using synthetic seed/cell culture technology, we are now one step closer to being able to rapidly and reliably respond to a potential H7N9 pandemic using a clinically tested A/H7N9 vaccine.

Identification of antigen and adjuvant doses resulting in optimal immunogenicity and antibody persistence up to 1 year after immunization with a pandemic A/H1N1 influenza vaccine in children 3 to < 9 years of age.

BACKGROUND: In the development of pediatric A/H1N1 influenza vaccines, this study was performed to identify antigen and adjuvant doses providing optimal immunogenicity and antibody persistence to ensure long-term immunity after immunization with an adjuvanted A/H1N1 vaccine in children 3 to <9 years of age. METHODS: Healthy children (N = 1357) were immunized with 1 of 8 investigational vaccine formulations ranging in antigen (3.75-30 µg) and MF59 adjuvant (Novartis Vaccines, Marburg, Germany; 0, 50 and 100% of standard dose). Each participant received 2 vaccine doses given 3 weeks apart. Immunogenicity was analyzed by hemagglutination inhibition assay in sera drawn 3, 4 and 6 weeks after first vaccination. Long-term antibody persistence was assessed 6 and 12 months after immunization. Vaccine safety was monitored throughout the study. RESULTS: All MF59-adjuvanted vaccines were well tolerated and highly immunogenic, with adjuvanted formulations inducing antibody titers statistically superior to those of the nonadjuvanted vaccines. Each MF59-adjuvanted vaccine met all the US and European licensure criteria for influenza vaccines 3 weeks after the administration of a single dose; all nonadjuvanted formulations failed to meet licensure criteria at this time point. Antibody titers in response to a single vaccination with 7.5 µg antigen and a full dose of MF59 continued to meet all US and European licensure criteria up to 1 year after immunization. CONCLUSION: A single dose of vaccine containing 7.5 µg A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) antigen and a full dose of MF59 adjuvant was found to be optimal for children 3 to <9 years of age.

Ensuring the optimal safety of licensed vaccines: a perspective of the vaccine research, development, and manufacturing companies.

Vaccine safety is increasingly a focus for the general public, health care providers, and vaccine manufacturers, because the efficacy of licensed vaccines is accepted as a given. Commitment to ensuring safety of all vaccines, including childhood vaccines, is addressed by the federal government, academia, and industry. Safety activities conducted by the vaccine research, development, and manufacturing companies occur at all stages of product development, from selection and formulation of candidate vaccines through postlicensure studies and surveillance of adverse-event reports. The contributions of multiple interacting functional groups are required to execute these tasks through the life cycle of a product. We describe here the safeguards used by vaccine manufacturers, including specific examples drawn from recent experience, and highlight some of the current challenges. Vaccine-risk communication becomes a critical area for partnership of vaccine companies with government, professional associations, and nonprofit advocacy groups to provide information on both benefits and risks of vaccines. The crucial role of the vaccine companies in ensuring the optimal vaccine-safety profile, often overlooked, will continue to grow with this dynamic arena.