Fermentative Liberation of Ellagic Acid from Walnut Press Cake Ellagitannins.

Oil is extracted from walnut leaves behind large quantities of defatted press cake that is still rich in valuable nutrients. Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus oligosporus, two molds traditionally used in Asia, have the necessary enzymes to use the nutrients in the walnut press cake. Walnuts and the press cake contain ellagitannins, known as precursors for ellagic acid and urolithins. In this study, experiments to optimize the solid-state fermentation of walnut press cake were performed in order to liberate ellagic acid from ellagitannins. Extracts of fermented products were then analyzed with an HPLC-DAD to measure the liberation of ellagic acid from ellagitannins. Good growth of R. oligosporus and A. oryzae mycelia on the walnut press cake was observed. A single mold culture was subjected to a hydration of 0.8 mL/g, an addition of 37.5 mmol/kg acetic acid (AA) and 1% NaCl, and an incubation temperature of 25 °C; these were observed to be good conditions for solid-state fermentation for walnut press cake. The highest ellagic acid concentration was obtained at 48 h. At 72 h, degradation dominated the liberation of ellagic acid.

Dietary Modulation of the Human Gut Microbiota and Metabolome with Flaxseed Preparations.

Flaxseeds are typically consumed either as whole flaxseed, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, partially defatted flaxseed meal, or as a milk alternative. They are considered a rich source of vitamins, minerals, proteins and peptides, lipids, carbohydrates, lignans, and dietary fiber, which have shown hypolipidemic, antiatherogenic, anticholesterolemic, and anti-inflammatory property activity. Here, an in vitro batch culture model was used to investigate the influence of whole milled flaxseed and partially defatted milled flaxseed press cake on the gut microbiota and the liberation of flaxseed bioactives. Microbial communities were profiled using 16S rRNA gene-based high-throughput sequencing with targeted mass spectrometry measuring lignan, cyclolinopeptide, and bile acid content and HPLC for short-chain fatty acid profiles. Flaxseed supplementation decreased gut microbiota richness with Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes becoming the predominant phyla. Secoisolariciresinol, enterodiol, and enterolactone were rapidly produced with acetic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid being the predominant acids after 24 h of fermentation. The flaxseed press cake and whole flaxseed were equivalent in microbiota changes and functionality. However, press cake may be superior as a functional additive in a variety of foods in terms of consumer acceptance as it would be more resistant to oxidative changes.

A Randomized, Controlled Trial of the Pan-PPAR Agonist Lanifibranor in NASH.

BACKGROUND: Management of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an unmet clinical need. Lanifibranor is a pan-PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) agonist that modulates key metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrogenic pathways in the pathogenesis of NASH. METHODS: In this phase 2b, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, patients with noncirrhotic, highly active NASH were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive 1200 mg or 800 mg of lanifibranor or placebo once daily for 24 weeks. The primary end point was a decrease of at least 2 points in the SAF-A score (the activity part of the Steatosis, Activity, Fibrosis [SAF] scoring system that incorporates scores for ballooning and inflammation) without worsening of fibrosis; SAF-A scores range from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating more-severe disease activity. Secondary end points included resolution of NASH and regression of fibrosis. RESULTS: A total of 247 patients underwent randomization, of whom 103 (42%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus and 188 (76%) had significant (moderate) or advanced fibrosis. The percentage of patients who had a decrease of at least 2 points in the SAF-A score without worsening of fibrosis was significantly higher among those who received the 1200-mg dose, but not among those who received the 800-mg dose, of lanifibranor than among those who received placebo (1200-mg dose vs. placebo, 55% vs. 33%, P = 0.007; 800-mg dose vs. placebo, 48% vs. 33%, P = 0.07). The results favored both the 1200-mg and 800-mg doses of lanifibranor over placebo for resolution of NASH without worsening of fibrosis (49% and 39%, respectively, vs. 22%), improvement in fibrosis stage of at least 1 without worsening of NASH (48% and 34%, respectively, vs. 29%), and resolution of NASH plus improvement in fibrosis stage of at least 1 (35% and 25%, respectively, vs. 9%). Liver enzyme levels decreased and the levels of the majority of lipid, inflammatory, and fibrosis biomarkers improved in the lanifibranor groups. The dropout rate for adverse events was less than 5% and was similar across the trial groups. Diarrhea, nausea, peripheral edema, anemia, and weight gain occurred more frequently with lanifibranor than with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: In this phase 2b trial involving patients with active NASH, the percentage of patients who had a decrease of at least 2 points in the SAF-A score without worsening of fibrosis was significantly higher with the 1200-mg dose of lanifibranor than with placebo. These findings support further assessment of lanifibranor in phase 3 trials. (Funded by Inventiva Pharma; NATIVE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03008070.).

Safety Profile of the 9-Valent HPV Vaccine: A Combined Analysis of 7 Phase III Clinical Trials.

OBJECTIVES: The overall safety profile of the 9-valent human papillomavirus (9vHPV) vaccine was evaluated across 7 Phase III studies, conducted in males and females (nonpregnant at entry), 9 to 26 years of age. METHODS: Vaccination was administered as a 3-dose regimen at day 1, and months 2 and 6. More than 15 000 subjects received ≥1 dose of 9vHPV vaccine. In 2 of the studies, >7000 control subjects received ≥1 dose of quadrivalent HPV (qHPV) vaccine. Serious and nonserious adverse events (AEs) and new medical conditions were recorded throughout the study. Subjects testing positive for pregnancy at day 1 were not vaccinated; those who became pregnant after day 1 were discontinued from further vaccination until resolution of the pregnancy. Pregnancies detected after study start (n = 2950) were followed to outcome. RESULTS: The most common AEs (≥5%) experienced by 9vHPV vaccine recipients were injection-site AEs (pain, swelling, erythema) and vaccine-related systemic AEs (headache, pyrexia). Injection-site AEs were more common in 9vHPV vaccine than qHPV vaccine recipients; most were mild-to-moderate in intensity. Discontinuations and vaccine-related serious AEs were rare (0.1% and <0.1%, respectively). Seven deaths were reported; none were considered vaccine related. The proportions of pregnancies with adverse outcome were within ranges reported in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: The 9vHPV vaccine was generally well tolerated in subjects aged 9 to 26 years with an AE profile similar to that of the qHPV vaccine; injection-site AEs were more common with 9vHPV vaccine. Its additional coverage and safety profile support widespread 9vHPV vaccination.

The predicted persistence and kinetics of antibody decline 9years after pre-school booster vaccination in UK children.

BACKGROUND: Long term follow-up of vaccine trials is essential to establish the duration of protection. In the context of worldwide concern about rising pertussis incidence, estimates of antibody persistence after vaccination, which do not account for the rise in antibody due to natural boosting or infection, may overestimate the degree of protection afforded by pertussis vaccines. METHODS: This was a 5year follow up study of a randomised controlled trial of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio booster vaccines in UK children aged 3.5-5years. Antibody persistence was measured at 1month, 1, 3, and 5years after vaccination and the kinetics of antibody decline were modelled longitudinally. Estimates of predicted antibody persistence 9years after the pre-school booster were derived from model parameters. RESULTS: Antibody levels 9years after vaccination were predicted to be above accepted thresholds for protection for diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Antibody responses to pertussis toxoid were undetectable in 49% of children at the 5year follow up visit, and responses were predicted to be undetectable in 69% (95% CI 45-88%) of children by the time of their teenage booster at 13-14years of age. CONCLUSIONS: There is no defined correlate of protection for pertussis. However, the large proportion of participants in this study with undetectable pertussis antibody levels at both measured and predicted timepoints suggests sub-optimal immunity in adolescence. Adding pertussis to the teenage booster for UK children as is done in other countries, would enhance immunity in adolescence.

A phase III clinical study to compare the immunogenicity and safety of the 9-valent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines in men.

BACKGROUND: A nine-valent human papilloma virus (9vHPV) vaccine has been developed to prevent infections and diseases related to HPV 6/11/16/18 (as per the licensed quadrivalent HPV (qHPV) vaccine) as well as to five additional oncogenic HPV types (HPV 31/33/45/52/58). The 9vHPV vaccine has the potential to prevent 90% of cervical cancers, HPV-related anal, vaginal and vulval cancers and anogenital warts. We compared the immunogenicity and safety of the 9vHPV vaccine versus the qHPV vaccine in 16-26-year-old men. METHODS: Participants (N=500) were randomised to receive 9vHPV or qHPV vaccines on day 1, month 2 and month 6. Serology testing was performed on day 1 and month 7. HPV type-specific antibody titres (anti-HPV 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58) were determined by competitive Luminex immunoassay and expressed as geometric mean titres and seroconversion rates. Vaccine safety was also assessed. RESULTS: The HPV 6/11/16/18 immune responses elicited by the 9vHPV vaccine were comparable with those elicited by the qHPV vaccine. All participants receiving the 9vHPV vaccine seroconverted for HPV 31/33/45/52/58. The 9vHPV and qHPV vaccines showed comparable safety profiles. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to immune responses to HPV 31/33/45/52/58, a three-dose regimen of the 9vHPV vaccine elicited a similar immune response to HPV 6/11/16/18 when compared with the qHPV vaccine in men aged 16-26years. The safety profile was also similar for the two vaccines. The results from this study support extending the efficacy findings with qHPV vaccine to 9vHPV vaccine in men aged 16-26years. NCT02114385.

Vaccination of adults with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine induces robust antibody responses against pneumococcal serotypes associated with serious clinical outcomes.

PNEUMOVAX™ 23, a 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (PPV23), covers 65% to 91% of the isolates recovered from adult cases of invasive pneumococcal disease. Several studies have demonstrated that pneumococcal serotypes 31, 11A, 35F, 17F, 3, 16F, 19F, 15B, and 10A are associated with higher case-fatality or meningitis rates than other pneumococcal serotypes. This study (U05-PnPS-403; EudraCT: 2008-003648-12) evaluated the immune response followings administration of PPV23 for 4 of these serotypes (10A, 11A, 15B, and 17F), that are included in PPV23 but not in licensed pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. Serotype-specific IgG geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) and geometric mean fold-rises (GMFRs) for these 4 serotypes were measured by a validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 104 subjects >50 y of age who were enrolled in a study evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of a single-dose of PPV23. At 1 month post-vaccination, GMCs for serotypes10A, 11A, 15B and 17F were 6.5, 4.3, 14.7, and 5.1 µg/mL, respectively. GMFRs from baseline were 9.0, 4.5, 8.4, and 11.5, respectively. The percentages of subjects achieving >2-fold increases in IgG GMCs between pre-vaccination and 1 month post-vaccination were 90%, 85%, 88% and 89%, respectively. In conclusion, PPV23 induces a robust immune response in adults to pneumococcal serotypes 10A, 11A, 15B, and 17F, which have been associated with elevated case-fatality or meningitis rates.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase III Study of the Immunogenicity and Safety of a 9-Valent Human Papillomavirus L1 Virus-Like Particle Vaccine (V503) Versus Gardasil® in 9-15-Year-Old Girls.

BACKGROUND: A 9-valent human papillomavirus (9vHPV) vaccine has been developed to prevent infections and diseases related to HPV 6/11/16/18 [as per the licensed quadrivalent HPV (qHPV) vaccine], as well as 5 additional oncogenic HPV types (HPV 31/33/45/52/58). Compared with the qHPV vaccine, the 9vHPV vaccine potentially increases the coverage of protection from 70% to 90% of cervical cancers. We compared the immunogenicity and safety of the 9vHPV vaccine versus the qHPV vaccine in 9-15-year-old girls. METHODS: Participants (n = 600) were randomized to receive 9vHPV or qHPV vaccines on day 1, month 2 and month 6. Serology testing was performed on day 1 and month 7. HPV type-specific antibody titers (anti-HPV 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58) were determined by competitive Luminex immunoassay and expressed as geometric mean titers and seroconversion rates. Vaccine safety was also assessed. RESULTS: The HPV 6/11/16/18 immune responses elicited by the 9vHPV vaccine were comparable with those elicited by the qHPV vaccine. All participants (except 1 for HPV 45) receiving the 9vHPV vaccine seroconverted for HPV 31/33/45/52/58. The 9vHPV and qHPV vaccines showed comparable safety profiles, although the incidence of injection-site swelling was higher in the 9vHPV vaccine group. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to immune responses to HPV 31/33/45/52/58, a 3-dose regimen of the 9vHPV vaccine elicited a similar immune response to HPV 6/11/16/18 when compared with the qHPV vaccine in girls aged 9-15 years. The safety profile was also similar for the 2 vaccines.

Immunogenicity and safety of a combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella live vaccine (ProQuad ®) administered concomitantly with a booster dose of a hexavalent vaccine in 12-23-month-old infants.

BACKGROUND: Concomitant administration of vaccines can facilitate vaccination uptake, provided that no clinically significant effect on either vaccine is identified. We investigated the concomitant administration, during the second year of life, of one dose of the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine (ProQuad(®)) with a booster dose of a hexavalent vaccine. METHODS: In this multicentre, open-label study, participants were randomized to 3 groups: Group 1, concomitant administration of one dose of ProQuad(®) and a booster of hexavalent vaccine; Group 2, one dose of ProQuad(®) alone; Group 3, a booster dose of hexavalent vaccine alone. Two serum samples were collected, within 7 days prior to vaccination and Days 42-56 post-vaccination for antibody testing. RESULTS: Antibody response rates to measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b following concomitant administration of ProQuad(®) and hexavalent vaccine were non-inferior compared with those following the individual vaccines. Antibody response rates to these antigens were all >95% in all groups. Antibody titres for the pertussis antigens following concomitant administration were also non-inferior to those following the individual vaccines. Antibody titres for the other valences were numerically comparable between groups with the exception of hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b, tetanus and poliomyelitis, which were higher in the concomitant than in the non-concomitant groups. The safety profiles of each vaccination regimen were comparable, with the exception of solicited ProQuad(®)-related injection-site reactions (Days 0-4), which occurred more frequently in the concomitant than in the non-concomitant groups. CONCLUSION: These immunogenicity data support the concomitant administration of ProQuad(®) with a hexavalent vaccine. The safety profile of concomitant ProQuad(®) and hexavalent vaccination was also in line with that of the individual Summaries of Product Characteristics.

Immunogenicity and safety of one dose of diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis and poliomyelitis vaccine (Repevax®) followed by two doses of diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis vaccine (Revaxis®) in adults aged ≥ 40 years not receiving a diphtheria- and tetanus-containing vaccination in the last 20 years.

INTRODUCTION: The immunogenicity and safety of one dose of Tdap-IPV (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis and inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine) and two doses of Td-IPV (tetanus, diphtheria and inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine) were assessed in adults who had not received a diphtheria- and tetanus-containing vaccine in the last 20 years. METHODS: This open-label, multicentre study was conducted in adults aged ≥ 40 years with no diphtheria- and tetanus-containing vaccine in the last 20 years. Participants received one dose of Tdap-IPV followed by two doses of Td-IPV (0, 1, 6 month schedule). Primary immunogenicity objectives: to demonstrate acceptable seroprotection rates (percentage of participants with antibody titre above threshold) post-dose 3 for diphtheria (≥ 0.1IU/mL by seroneutralization assay [SNA]); tetanus (≥ 0.1IU/mL by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]); and poliomyelitis (≥ 8 1/dil by SNA); and to evaluate the percentage of participants with an antibody concentration ≥ 5EU/mL (by ELISA) for pertussis antigens post-dose 1. Seroprotection rates were acceptable if the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) was >95%. Percentage of participants with basic clinical immunity against diphtheria (≥ 0.01IU/mL) was also assessed. Safety (adverse events [AEs] and serious AEs) was assessed after each dose. RESULTS: Overall, 336 participants were included (mean age: 60.2 years). Post-dose 3 seroprotection rates were: diphtheria, 94.6% (CI 91.5-96.8); tetanus and poliomyelitis, 100% (CI: 98.8-100). Percentage of participants with an antibody titre ≥ 5EU/mL against pertussis antigens was ≥ 95.8% for all five pertussis components. Basic clinical immunity against diphtheria was achieved in 100% (CI: 98.8-100) of participants. AEs were reported more frequently following vaccination with Tdap-IPV (post-dose 1: 65.3%) than with Td-IPV (post-dose 2: 48.3%; post-dose 3: 50.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the benefits of using Tdap-IPV followed by two doses of Td-IPV in an adult population to achieve maximal protection against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and pertussis simultaneously.

Immunogenicity and safety of a booster dose of diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis and inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (Tdap-IPV; Repevax) administered concomitantly versus non-concomitantly with an influenza vaccine (Vaxigrip) to adults aged ≥60 years: an open-label, randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Annual influenza vaccination provides an opportunity to administer a booster dose of diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis and inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (Tdap-IPV) to the elderly. This study evaluated immune responses to and safety of the two vaccines administered concomitantly or sequentially to elderly individuals in France and Germany. METHODS: Individuals aged ≥60 years who had received a diphtheria/tetanus booster within 5-15 years were randomised (1:1) to receive either Tdap-IPV and an inactivated influenza vaccine concomitantly (Group 1) or inactivated influenza vaccine then Tdap-IPV 28-35 days later (Group 2). Antibody titres were measured before and 28-35 days after each vaccination. RESULTS: The mean age of randomised individuals (n=954) was 68.8 years. Post-vaccination seroprotection rates (≥0.1 IU/mL for diphtheria/tetanus and ≥8 1/dilution for polio) for Group 1 were non-inferior to Group 2 for diphtheria (85.4% vs. 87.5%), tetanus (both 100%), polio type 1 (99.8% vs. 100%), polio type 2 (both 100%) and polio type 3 (99.3% vs. 99.8%). Similarly, percentages of individuals with pertussis antibodies ≥5 EU/mL for Group 1 were non-inferior to Group 2: pertussis toxin (94.3% vs. 98.1%), filamentous haemagglutinin (99.8% vs. 100%), pertactin (97.3% vs. 96.0%), fimbriae 2 and 3 (91.7% vs. 89.5%). Post-vaccination geometric mean titres of anti-influenza haemagglutinin antibodies for Group 1 were non-inferior to Group 2. Adverse events following administration of Tdap-IPV were similar in both study groups, with no vaccine-related serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Tdap-IPV and inactivated influenza vaccine can be administered concomitantly in the elderly without impairing tolerability or the immune response to either vaccine.

Safety of a 2-dose regimen of a combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella live vaccine manufactured with recombinant human albumin.

BACKGROUND: ProQuad, a vaccine containing antigens from M-M-RVAXPRO (measles, mumps and rubella vaccine) and VARIVAX (varicella vaccine), is indicated for simultaneous vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) in individuals from 12 months of age. To eliminate blood-derived products of human origin from the manufacturing process of the MMRV vaccine, recombinant human albumin was selected as a replacement for human serum albumin. METHODS: This open-label, multicenter clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00560755) was designed to describe the safety profile of a 2-dose schedule of the MMRV vaccine at a 1-month interval in healthy children aged 12-22 months. RESULTS: In total, 3388 children received at least 1 dose of the MMRV vaccine. Overall, 3376 (99.65%) children were included in the post-dose 1 safety analysis and 3342 (98.64%) in the post-dose 2 safety analysis. After doses 1 and 2, the frequencies of children experiencing solicited injection-site reactions (post-dose 1: erythema 14.31%; swelling 5.57% and pain 10.31%; post-dose 2: erythema 30.46%; swelling 13.23% and pain 11.49%), rashes of interest (post-dose 1: 11.4%; post-dose 2: 2.78%), vaccine-related nonserious systemic adverse events (post-dose 1: 34.86%; post-dose 2: 13.4%) and temperature ≥39.4 °C (post-dose 1: 25.24%; post-dose 2: 12.06%) were consistent with those observed in previous studies of the MMRV vaccine manufactured with human serum albumin. Neither serious allergic-type adverse events nor anaphylactic reactions were reported. CONCLUSION: The results confirm the good safety profiles of MMRV and of measles, mumps and rubella vaccines manufactured with recombinant human albumin.

Immunogenicity and safety of a two-dose regimen of a combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella live vaccine (ProQuad(®)) in infants from 9 months of age.

Vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) is currently recommended in developed countries for infants from 12 months of age. However, measles vaccination at 9 months of age is recommended by the WHO in the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) schedule and it is therefore possible that MMR or MMRV vaccines might also be given at this age. This open-label, randomised, comparative study evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of a 2-dose schedule of ProQuad(®) (MMRV vaccine) given at a 3-month interval in healthy infants aged ≥9 months. For measles, the non-inferiority of the response rate post-Dose 2 was reached when Dose 1 was administered at 11 months (98%) compared with 12 months (99%) but was not reached when Dose 1 was administered at 9 months (95%). The response rate to measles post-Dose 1 increased with age, from 73% to 88% and 90% at 9, 11 and 12 months, respectively. For mumps, rubella and varicella, response rates were not different after Dose 1 (>95%) or Dose 2 (>99%) regardless of whether Dose 1 was administered at 9, 11 or 12 months of age. In conclusion, the age of administration of the first of a two-dose regimen of ProQuad may be lowered to 11 months. Dose 1 may be administered at 9 months if early protection is required, but it should be recognised that a second dose is required promptly with a minimum of 3-month interval between doses.

A poxvirus vaccine is safe, induces T-cell responses, and decreases viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has limited efficacy, adverse effects, and high costs. Cohort and vaccine-based preclinical studies have indicated the importance of T-cell-based immunity in controlling viral infection. TG4040 is a recombinant poxvirus vaccine that expresses the hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins NS3, NS4, and NS5B. We performed a phase I clinical trial to assess the safety, immunogenicity, and early antiviral efficacy of TG4040 in patients with CHC. METHODS: In an open-label, dose-escalating study, patients with mild CHC (genotype 1) were assigned to 3 groups of 3 patients each; they received subcutaneous injections of 106, 107, or 108 plaque-forming units of TG4040 on study days 1, 8, and 15. Six additional patients were given the highest dose of vaccine (108 plaque-forming units). Patients were followed for 6 months after the last injection. T-cell-based and antibody responses and levels of HCV RNA were measured. RESULTS: All 3 doses of TG4040 were well tolerated, without serious adverse events. Vaccine-induced HCV-specific cellular immune responses were observed in 5 of the 15 patients (33%). A transient decrease in circulating levels of HCV RNA, from -0.52 log10 to -1.24 log10, was observed in 8 patients; in 5 patients, the lowest level of HCV RNA was observed on day 37, after the first injection. The most pronounced decrease in viral load occurred in 2 patients, who also had marked vaccine-induced T-cell responses. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CHC, the viral-vector-based vaccine TG4040 had a good safety profile, induced HCV-specific cellular immune responses, and reduced viral load. This vaccine should be investigated in further clinical studies, in combination with standard of care.

Results from a randomized clinical trial of coadministration of RotaTeq, a pentavalent rotavirus vaccine, and NeisVac-C, a meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine.

RotaTeq (Merck & Co. Inc./Sanofi Pasteur MSD) is a three-dose, oral pentavalent rotavirus vaccine for the immunization of infants from 6 weeks of age for the prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis. The primary objective of the present trial was to demonstrate that RotaTeq can be coadministered with meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine (MenCC; NeisVac-C; Baxter Healthcare) to healthy infants without impairing the protective immune responses to MenCC. This was an open-label, randomized, comparative study conducted in Finland. The study was designed to assess concomitant versus sequential administration of RotaTeq and MenCC on the immune response to both vaccines. Healthy infants (n = 247), aged 6 to 7 weeks, were recruited. Coadministration of MenCC with RotaTeq was noninferior to sequential administration for the seroprotection rate against meningococcal serogroup C (the proportion of infants with a serum bactericidal antibody titer using baby rabbit complement of ≥ 8 was 100% in both groups). The other responses to MenCC (titer of ≥ 1:128, ≥ 4-fold increase in titer, and geometric mean titers [GMTs]) and the responses to RotaTeq (IgA and SNA response to G1 to G4 and P1A[8], GMTs, and ≥ 3-fold increase in titer) were comparable between groups, including a ≥ 3-fold IgA increase in >96% of the infants in both groups. Concomitant administration of the first doses of MenCC, diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine, inactivated poliovirus vaccine, and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib), and RotaTeq was associated with a higher rate of vomiting and diarrhea than concomitant administration of MenCC and DTaP-IPV-Hib, but that was not observed after the second concomitant administration. The convenience of concomitant administration of RotaTeq and MenCC may, however, outweigh the additive effect of mostly mild adverse events reported after the individual administration of each vaccine. These results support the coadministration of RotaTeq and MenCC.

Regression of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia with TG4001 targeted immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TG4001 in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) 16-related cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3 at 6 and 12 months. STUDY DESIGN: In all, 21 patients with HPV 16-related CIN 2/3 received 3 weekly subcutaneous injections of TG4001. Regression of the CIN 2/3 lesion and the clearance of HPV 16 infection were monitored by cytology, colposcopy, and HPV DNA/messenger RNA (mRNA) detection. A clinical response was defined by no CIN 2/3 found on conization, or no conization performed because not suspected at cytology or colposcopy. RESULTS: Ten patients (48%) were evaluated as clinical responders at month 6. Nine patients experienced an improvement of their HPV 16 infection, by mRNA ± DNA eradication. HPV 16 mRNA clearance was associated with CIN 2/3 cytologic and colposcopic regression in 7 of 10 patients. At month 12, 7 of 8 patients without conization reported neither suspicion of CIN 2/3 relapse nor HPV 16 infection. The remaining patient was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: These promising data warrant further development of TG4001 in CIN 2/3 treatment.

Safety of Tdap-IPV given one month after Td-IPV booster in healthy young adults: a placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In France, the only vaccines available for use as a pertussis booster in adults are combined vaccines containing adsorbed tetanus, diphtheria (adult formulation), acellular pertussis and inactivated poliovirus (Tdap-IPV). Adults may require a pertussis booster relatively soon after having received vaccines containing tetanus-diptheria antigens (Td) (occupational or familial circumstances such as new job, childbirth in recent past or future), although the safety of Tdap-IPV when administered soon after vaccination with Td is undocumented. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, multi-centre study, we assessed the safety of Tdap-IPV administered one month after vaccination with tetanus, diphtheria (adult formulation), inactivated poliovirus vaccination (Td-IPV) in healthy adults vaccinated according to the French vaccination calendar (seven tetanus-diphtheria vaccinations by age 18 years). Subjects received either Td-IPV (n = 249) or placebo (n = 251) followed 1 month later by Tdap-IPV. Any adverse events (AEs) were recorded. RESULTS: The safety of Tdap-IPV was similar when Tdap-IPV vaccine was administered one month after either Td-IPV or placebo: at seven days, 85.1% versus 93.4% subjects reported at least one reaction at the injection site, mainly pain (82.6% versus 92.1%); 40.5% versus 45.0%, at least one systemic AE (mainly headache: 26.4% versus 26.0%); fever concerned 1.7% of both groups. No serious vaccine-related AEs were reported. Both safety profiles corresponded to documented product characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Tdap-IPV may be administered to adults one month after Td-IPV without exacerbating post-vaccination side-effects.

Metastatic Breast Tumour Regression Following Treatment by a Gene-Modified Vaccinia Virus Expressing MUC1 and IL-2.

MUC1 is expressed by glandular epithelial cells. It is overexpressed in the majority of breast tumours, making it a potential target for immune therapy. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the anti-tumour activity and tolerance of repeated administration of TG1031 (an attenuated recombinant vaccinia virus containing sequences coding for human MUC1 and the immune stimulatory cytokine IL-2) in patients with MUC1-positive metastatic breast cancer. This was an open-label, randomised study comparing two dose levels, 5 x 10E6 and 5 x 10E7, with 14 patients in each arm. The treatment was administered intramuscularly every 3 weeks for the first 4 doses and every 6 weeks thereafter, until progression. Two patients had a partial tumour regression ( > 50%), and 15 patients had stable disease as their best overall response until at least the 5th injection. Partial regression lasted for 11 months in one patient and for 12 months in the second patient who then underwent surgical resection of her hepatic metastases. The most frequent adverse events included inflammation at injection site: 7 patients, itching or pain at injection site: 5 patients, and moderate fever: 6 patients. One responding patient developed antinuclear, anti-DNA, and increased anti-TPO antibodies after the fifth injection, and which resolved at the end of treatment. The treatment regimes were well tolerated with a low toxicity profile. Although clinical efficacy remains limited, this study demonstrates the potential use of MUC1-based immune therapy in breast cancer.

Phase I immunotherapy with a modified vaccinia virus (MVA) expressing human MUC1 as antigen-specific immunotherapy in patients with MUC1-positive advanced cancer.

BACKGROUND: The MUC1 protein is a highly glycosylated mucin normally found at the apical surface of mucin-secreting epithelial cells in many types of tissues. MUC1 is expressed, but heavily underglycosylated, in different human tumors. TG4010 is a viral suspension of a recombinant vaccinia vector (MVA) containing DNA sequences coding for the human MUC1 antigen and interleukin-2 (IL-2). This product was developed for use as a vaccine in cancer patients whose tumors express the MUC1 antigen. The objective of the present study was to determine the safety of the product and to define the dose of TG4010 to be used in further clinical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with different solid tumors were treated by repeated intramuscular injection with increasing doses of TG4010 in two separate phase I studies, one in Europe (Basel-CR) and one in the United States (UCLA-RF): a total of 6 patients were treated at a dose of 5 x 10(6) pfu, 3 patients at 5 x 10(7) pfu, and 4 patients at 10(8) pfu. Safety, efficacy, and different immunological tests were the endpoints of the study. RESULTS: Tolerance of TG4010 was excellent, and side effects mainly consisted of injection site pain and influenza-like symptoms. There was no apparent detrimental effect of repeated injections of the vaccinia virus. Four of thirteen evaluable patients showed stabilization of their disease for 6 to 9 months. One lung cancer patient who was initially progressing after the first injections later showed a marked decrease in the size of his metastases that lasted for 14 months. Some T cell proliferative immune responses were seen in five patients. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of TG4010 was generally well tolerated in patients with metastatic tumors, and transient disease stabilization was observed in several patients, warranting further clinical studies with the product.

Immunotherapy of metastatic melanoma by intratumoral injections of Vero cells producing human IL-2: phase II randomized study comparing two dose levels.

BACKGROUND: Systemic IL-2 has shown some activity in metastatic melanoma, but its use is severely limited by toxicity. TG2001 is a product in which the human IL-2 cDNA was incorporated into the genome of Vero cells, a monkey fibroblast cell line. The goal of this intratumorally applied therapy was to create an antitumor immune response stimulated by xeno-antigens and local production of IL-2 in the close vicinity of tumor-specific antigens. TG2001 was reported to have a good safety profile in two previous dose-escalating phase I studies performed in 18 patients with various solid tumors, with encouraging clinical responses in three patients. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the tolerance and incidence of tumor regression in patients with metastatic melanoma, following repeated administration of Vero-IL-2 cells. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was on open-label, randomized phase II study comparing two doses of Vero-IL-2, 5x10(5) and 5x10(6) cells. Twenty-eight patients with metastatic melanoma were enrolled in the study, 14 in each treatment group. Patients received TG2001 by intratumoral injection on days 1, 3, and 5 every 4 weeks for four cycles, and every 8 weeks thereafter, until evidence of progressive disease (PD). Criteria for patient selection included histologically proven metastatic melanoma, with one tumor accessible for product administration, and at least another tumor site for response assessment. Evaluation included tumor measurements, humoral and T cell-mediated local and systemic immune response, humoral response to Vero cells, adverse events and standard laboratory parameters. RESULTS: None of the patients achieved a confirmed objective response. Stable disease (SD) was seen in six (43%) and eight patients (57%) at the 5x10(5) and the 5x10(6) dose level, respectively. Two patients, one in each group, died during the study (i.e., within 1 month after the last injection) due to PD. Three patients exhibited antibody responses to Vero cells. T-cell immunity, serum cytokine levels and cytokine mRNA expression in tumor biopsies did not show meaningful alterations after therapy, except for a trend toward an increase in intratumoral TH2 cytokine (IL-4 and/or IL-10) levels. The study drug was well tolerated at both dose levels and side effects mainly consisted of injection site pain and erythema, and pyrexia. CONCLUSION: The intratumoral administration of TG2001 was generally well tolerated in patients with metastatic melanoma, and transient disease stabilization was observed in 50% of patients.