Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Protein Vaccine Is Efficacious in Older Adults With Underlying Medical Conditions

BACKGROUND

Older adults with chronic cardiorespiratory or endocrine/metabolic conditions are at increased risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-related acute respiratory illness (RSV-ARI) and severe respiratory disease. In an ongoing, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicountry, phase 3 trial in ≥60-year-old participants, an AS01E-adjuvanted RSV prefusion F protein-based vaccine (RSVPreF3 OA) was efficacious against RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease (RSV-LRTD), severe RSV-LRTD, and RSV-ARI. We evaluated efficacy and immunogenicity among participants with coexisting cardiorespiratory or endocrine/metabolic conditions that increase the risk of severe RSV disease ("conditions of interest").

METHODS

Medically stable ≥60-year-old participants received 1 dose of RSVPreF3 OA or placebo. Efficacy against first RSV-LRTD and RSV-ARI episodes was assessed in subgroups with/without coexisting cardiorespiratory or endocrine/metabolic conditions of interest. Immunogenicity was analyzed post hoc in these subgroups.

RESULTS

In total, 12 467 participants received RSVPreF3 OA and 12 499 received placebo. Of these, 39.6% (RSVPreF3 OA) and 38.9% (placebo) had ≥1 coexisting condition of interest. The median efficacy follow-up was 6.7 months. Efficacy against RSV-LRTD was high in participants with ≥1 condition of interest (94.6%), ≥1 cardiorespiratory (92.1%), ≥1 endocrine/metabolic (100%), and ≥2 conditions of interest (92.0%). Efficacy against RSV-ARI was 81.0% in participants with ≥1 condition of interest (88.1% for cardiorespiratory, 79.4% for endocrine/metabolic conditions) and 88.0% in participants with ≥2 conditions of interest. Postvaccination neutralizing titers were at least as high in participants with ≥1 condition of interest as in those without.

CONCLUSIONS

RSVPreF3 OA was efficacious against RSV-LRTD and RSV-ARI in older adults with coexisting medical conditions associated with an increased risk of severe RSV disease.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04886596.

Efficacy and safety of respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F protein vaccine (RSVPreF3 OA) in older adults over 2 RSV seasons

BACKGROUND

The adjuvanted RSV prefusion F protein-based vaccine (RSVPreF3 OA) was efficacious against RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease (RSV-LRTD) in ≥60-year-olds over 1 RSV season. We evaluated efficacy and safety of 1 RSVPreF3 OA dose and of 2 RSVPreF3 OA doses given 1 year apart against RSV-LRTD over 2 RSV seasons post-dose 1.

METHODS

In this phase 3, blinded trial, ≥60-year-olds were randomized (1:1) to receive RSVPreF3 OA or placebo pre-season 1. RSVPreF3 OA recipients were re-randomized (1:1) to receive a second RSVPreF3 OA dose (RSV_revaccination group) or placebo (RSV_1dose group) pre-season 2; participants who received placebo pre-season 1 received placebo pre-season 2 (placebo group). Efficacy of both vaccine regimens against RSV-LRTD was evaluated over 2 seasons combined (confirmatory secondary objective, success criterion: lower limits of 2-sided confidence intervals [CIs] around efficacy estimates >20%).

RESULTS

The efficacy analysis comprised 24,967 participants (RSV_1dose: 6227, RSV_revaccination: 6242, placebo: 12,498). Median efficacy follow-up was 17.8 months. Efficacy over 2 seasons of 1 RSVPreF3 OA dose was 67.2% (97.5% CI: 48.2-80.0) against RSV-LRTD and 78.8% (95% CI: 52.6-92.0) against severe RSV-LRTD. Efficacy over 2 seasons of a first dose followed by revaccination was 67.1% (97.5% CI: 48.1-80.0) against RSV-LRTD and 78.8% (95% CI: 52.5-92.0) against severe RSV-LRTD. Reactogenicity/safety of the revaccination dose were similar to dose 1.

CONCLUSION

One RSVPreF3 OA dose was efficacious against RSV-LRTD over 2 RSV seasons in ≥60-year-olds. Revaccination 1 year post-dose 1 was well tolerated but did not seem to provide additional efficacy benefit in the overall study population. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04886596.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Protein Vaccine in Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of acute respiratory infection, lower respiratory tract disease, clinical complications, and death in older adults. There is currently no licensed vaccine against RSV infection.

METHODS

In an ongoing, international, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, adults 60 years of age or older to receive a single dose of an AS01_E-adjuvanted RSV prefusion F protein-based candidate vaccine (RSVPreF3 OA) or placebo before the RSV season. The primary objective was to show vaccine efficacy of one dose of the RSVPreF3 OA vaccine against RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease, confirmed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), during one RSV season. The criterion for meeting the primary objective was a lower limit of the confidence interval around the efficacy estimate of more than 20%. Efficacy against severe RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease and RSV-related acute respiratory infection was assessed, and analyses according to RSV subtype (A and B) were performed. Safety was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 24,966 participants received one dose of the RSVPreF3 OA vaccine (12,467 participants) or placebo (12,499). Over a median follow-up of 6.7 months, vaccine efficacy against RT-PCR-confirmed RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease was 82.6% (96.95% confidence interval [CI], 57.9 to 94.1), with 7 cases (1.0 per 1000 participant-years) in the vaccine group and 40 cases (5.8 per 1000 participant-years) in the placebo group. Vaccine efficacy was 94.1% (95% CI, 62.4 to 99.9) against severe RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease (assessed on the basis of clinical signs or by the investigator) and 71.7% (95% CI, 56.2 to 82.3) against RSV-related acute respiratory infection. Vaccine efficacy was similar against the RSV A and B subtypes (for RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease: 84.6% and 80.9%, respectively; for RSV-related acute respiratory infection: 71.9% and 70.6%, respectively). High vaccine efficacy was observed in various age groups and in participants with coexisting conditions. The RSVPreF3 OA vaccine was more reactogenic than placebo, but most adverse events for which reports were solicited were transient, with mild-to-moderate severity. The incidences of serious adverse events and potential immune-mediated diseases were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A single dose of the RSVPreF3 OA vaccine had an acceptable safety profile and prevented RSV-related acute respiratory infection and lower respiratory tract disease and severe RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease in adults 60 years of age or older, regardless of RSV subtype and the presence of underlying coexisting conditions. (Funded by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals; AReSVi-006 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04886596.).

LB745. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prefusion F Protein Candidate Vaccine (RSVPreF3 OA) is Efficacious in Adults ≥ 60 Years of Age (YOA)

Background

RSV-associated acute respiratory infections (ARI), particularly lower respiratory tract diseases (LRTD), present a significant disease burden in older adults. Currently, there are no approved vaccines against RSV. We present results from an ongoing study designed to demonstrate the vaccine efficacy (VE) of the AS01_E-adjuvanted RSVPreF3 OA in adults ≥ 60 YOA.

Methods

This ongoing, phase 3, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-country study (NCT04886596) enrolled adults ≥ 60 YOA from the northern and southern hemispheres. Participants were randomized (1:1) to receive a single dose of RSVPreF3 OA or placebo before the RSV season. The primary objective was to demonstrate VE of a single dose of RSVPreF3 OA in preventing RSV-confirmed LRTD during one RSV season (criterion: lower limit of VE confidence interval [CI] > 20%). VE is reported also against severe RSV-confirmed LRTD, RSV-confirmed ARI, RSV-confirmed LRTD and RSV-confirmed ARI by RSV subtype (RSV-A and RSV-B), and RSV-confirmed LRTD by age, baseline comorbidity and frailty status. RSV-A/B was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

A total of 26,664 participants were enrolled, of whom 24,966 (RSVPreF3 OA: 12,467; placebo: 12,499) were included in the exposed set and 24,960 (RSVPreF3 OA: 12,466; placebo: 12,494) in the efficacy analysis. The mean age was 69.5 (±6.5) years and 51.7% were women. Over a median follow-up of 6.7 months (maximum 10.1 months), 47 RSV-confirmed LRTD episodes were reported (RSVPreF3 OA: 7; placebo: 40), resulting in a VE of 82.6% (96.95% CI: 57.9–94.1), thus the primary objective was met. Consistently high VE across the clinical spectrum of RSV disease, from RSV-confirmed ARI (71.7% [95% CI: 56.2–82.3]) to severe RSV-confirmed LRTD (94.1% [95% CI: 62.4–99.9]) was observed. High VE was seen in different age groups and regardless of RSV subtype, baseline comorbidity or pre-frail status (Figure 1). Cumulative incidence curves for RSV-confirmed LRTD and RSV-confirmed ARI showed persistent efficacy throughout the follow-up (Figure 2).

Conclusion

A single RSVPreF3 OA dose is highly efficacious against RSV-confirmed LRTD and RSV-confirmed ARI in adults ≥ 60 YOA, regardless of RSV disease severity, RSV subtype, baseline comorbidity and pre-frail status.

Funding: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA.

Abstract and information is also available at the following link : Efficacy results for GSK's older adult RSV vaccine (investis.com).

Disclosures

Michael G. Ison, MD MS, GlaxoSmithKline: Advisor/Consultant|GlaxoSmithKline: Grant/Research Support Alberto Papi, MD, CHIESI, ASTRAZENECA, GSK, BI, MENARINI, NOVARTIS, ZAMBON, MUNDIPHARMA, SANOFI, AVILLION: Honoraria|CHIESI, ASTRAZENECA, GSK, NOVARTIS, SANOFI, IQVIA, AVILLION, ELPEN PHARMACEUTICALS: Advisor/Consultant|CHIESI, ASTRAZENECA, GSK, NOVARTIS, SANOFI, IQVIA, AVILLION, ELPEN PHARMACEUTICALS: Board Member|CHIESI, ASTRAZENECA, GSK, SANOFI: Grant/Research Support Joanne M. Langley, MD, GSK, Merck, Medicago, Sanofi, VBI, VIDO, Entos, Pfizer: Grant/Research Support Isabel Leroux-Roels, PhD MD, Curevac: payment to my institution for the conduct of clinical trials|GSK: payment to my institution for the conduct of clinical trials|ICON Genetics: payment to my institution for the conduct of clinical trials|Janssen Vaccines (J&J): Board Member|Janssen Vaccines (J&J): payment to my institution for the conduct of clinical trials|Osivax: payment to my institution for the conduct of clinical trials Federico Martinon-Torres, MD, PhD, Assoc. Prof, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Sanofi, Merck, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, Biofabri, Janssen, Novavax: Advisor/Consultant|GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Sanofi, Merck, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, Biofabri, Janssen, Novavax: Grant/Research Support|GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Sanofi, Merck, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, Biofabri, Janssen, Novavax: Honoraria|GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Sanofi, Merck, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, Biofabri, Janssen, Novavax: Clínical trials fees paid to my institution Tino F. Schwarz, Prof. Dr. MD, GlaxoSmithKline: Advisor/Consultant Richard N. Van Zyl-Smit, PhD MD, MSD, Pfizer, GSK, Astra Zeneca, Roche, Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cipla, J&J, Glenmark: Advisor/Consultant|MSD, Pfizer, GSK, Astra Zeneca, Roche, Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cipla, J&J, Glenmark: Honoraria Nancy Dezutter, PhD, PharmD, GlaxoSmithKline: GSK employee|GlaxoSmithKline: Stocks/Bonds Nathalie De Schrevel, PhD, GlaxoSmithKline: GSK employee Laurence Fissette, Master in Statistics, GlaxoSmithKline: GSK employee|GlaxoSmithKline: Stocks/Bonds Marie-Pierre David, Master in Statistics, GlaxoSmithKline: GSK employee|GlaxoSmithKline: Stocks/Bonds Marie Van Der Wielen, MD, GlaxoSmithKline: GSK employee|GlaxoSmithKline: Stocks/Bonds Lusine Kostanyan, MD, GlaxoSmithKline: GSK employee|GlaxoSmithKline: Stocks/Bonds Veronica Hulstrøm, PhD MD, GlaxoSmithKline: GSK employee.

Safety and immunogenicity of a respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F (RSVPreF3) candidate vaccine in older adults: phase I/II randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The aim was to investigate safety and immunogenicity of vaccine formulations against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) containing the stabilized prefusion conformation of RSV fusion protein (RSVPreF3).

METHODS

This phase I/II, randomized, controlled, observer-blind study enrolled 48 young adults (YA; 18-40 years) and 1005 older adults (OA; 60-80 years) between January and August 2019. Participants were randomized into equally sized groups to receive two doses of unadjuvanted (YA and OA) or AS01-adjuvanted (OA) vaccine or placebo two months apart. Vaccine safety and immunogenicity were assessed until one (YA) or 12 months (OA) after second vaccination.

RESULTS

The RSVPreF3 vaccines boosted humoral (RSVPreF3-specific IgG and RSV-A neutralizing antibody) responses, which increased in an antigen-concentration-dependent manner and were highest post-dose one. Compared to pre-vaccination, the geometric mean frequencies of polyfunctional CD4+ T-cells increased after each dose and were significantly higher in adjuvanted than unadjuvanted vaccinees. Post-vaccination immune responses persisted until end of follow-up. Solicited adverse events (AEs) were mostly mild-to-moderate and transient. Despite a higher observed reactogenicity of AS01-containing vaccines, no safety concerns were identified for any assessed formulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on safety and immunogenicity profiles, the AS01E-adjuvanted vaccine containing 120 μg of RSVPreF3 was selected for further clinical development.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03814590; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03814590.

119. A Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Protein (RSVPreF3) Candidate Vaccine Administered in Older Adults in a Phase I/II Randomized Clinical Trial Is Well Tolerated

Background

RSV is a common cause of respiratory acute illness in older adults (OA). We evaluated safety and reactogenicity of RSVPreF3 candidate vaccine in young adults (YA) and OA.

Methods

In this phase I/II, placebo-controlled, multi-country trial (NCT03814590), YA aged 18–40 years were randomized 1:1:1:1 and received 2 doses of Low-, Medium- or High-dose of RSVPreF3 non-adjuvanted vaccine, or placebo, 2 months apart. Following favorable safety evaluation, a staggered enrolment with 2 steps followed in OA aged 60–80 years, who were randomized 1:1:1:1:1:1:1:1:1:1 to receive 1 of the 9 RSV vaccine formulations containing Low-, Medium- or High-dose of RSVPreF3 non-adjuvanted or adjuvanted with AS01_E or AS01_B, or placebo (same schedule). Safety/reactogenicity up to 1 month post-dose 1 are reported here.

Results

Exposed set was comprised of 48 YA and 1005 OA. Within 7 days post-dose 1, any solicited/unsolicited adverse event (AE) ranged from 58.3% to 83.3% across YA vaccinees (placebo YA: 58.3%) and from 29.9% to 84.2% across OA vaccinees (placebo OA: 33.7%) (Fig 1). Pain was the most common solicited local AE, being reported in ≤ 58.3% of YA (placebo YA: 0.0%) and at higher rates in the adjuvanted groups (≤ 75.7%) vs non-adjuvanted groups of OA (≤ 14.1%) and placebo OA (4.1%) (Fig 2A). Of solicited general AEs, fatigue (YA: ≤ 41.7% in vaccinees vs 50.0% in placebo; OA: ≤ 48.5% in vaccinees vs 16.3% in placebo) and headache (YA: ≤ 33.3% in vaccinees vs 16.7% in placebo; OA: ≤ 27.7% in vaccinees vs 8.2% in placebo) were most commonly reported (Fig 2B), while fever ≥ 38.0 °C was observed in ≤ 3.0% of OA vaccinees (placebo OA: 0.0%). Grade 3 solicited local and general AEs were observed in OA only, with erythema (≤ 4.9% in vaccinees vs 0.0% in placebo) and fatigue (≤ 2.0% in vaccinees vs 1.0% in placebo) being most common (Fig 2). No serious AEs (SAEs) were reported in YA. A number of 11 OA reported a SAE within 1 month post-dose 1, but none was fatal or assessed as vaccine-related. No clinically significant abnormalities occurred in hematological/biochemical parameters in any group.

Figure 1. Percentage of participants presenting at least one type of solicited/unsolicited adverse event (AE) within 7 days post-dose 1

Figure 2. Percentage of participants with at least one type of solicited adverse event (AE) within 7 days post-dose 1

Conclusion

First dose of RSVPreF3 candidate vaccine is well tolerated. AE rates tended to be higher after AS01_B-adjuvanted formulations compared to other vaccine formulations. No safety concerns were raised.

Funding

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA

Disclosures

Jelena Tica, PhD, GSK group of companies (Employee, Shareholder) Javier Ruiz Guiñazú, MD MSc, GSK group of companies (Employee, Shareholder) Charles P. Andrews, MD, GSK group of companies (Scientific Research Study Investigator) Charles Fogarty, MD, GSK group of companies (Grant/Research Support) Edward Kerwin, MD, Amphastar (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)AstraZeneca (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Boehringer Ingelheim (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Chiesi (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Cipla (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)GSK group of companies (Employee, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Mylan (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Novartis (Employee, Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support, Speaker’s Bureau)other around 40 pharmaceutical companies (Other Financial or Material Support, conducted multicenter clinical research trials)Pearl (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Sunovion (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Theravance (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau) Isabel Leroux-Roels, MD PhD, GSK group of companies (Scientific Research Study Investigator) Corinne Vandermeulen, MD PhD, GSK group of companies (Other Financial or Material Support, My university only received Grant/Research Support) Marie-Pierre David, MSc, GSK group of companies (Employee, Shareholder) Nancy Dezutter, PhD, PharmD, RPh, GSK group of companies (Employee, Shareholder) Laurence Fissette, MSc, GSK group of companies (Employee) Juliane Koch, MD, GSK group of companies (Employee, Shareholder) Narcisa Mesaros, MD, MSc, GSK group of companies (Employee)

121. A Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Protein (RSVPreF3) Candidate Vaccine Administered in Older Adults in a Phase I/II Randomized Clinical Trial Is Immunogenic

Background

RSV causes significant disease burden in older adults, since reinfections are common and may lead to severe disease presentations while only supportive treatment is available. We present immunogenicity of different formulations of an investigational vaccine (RSVPreF3) in young and older adults.

Methods

This is a phase I/II, placebo-controlled, multi-country trial (NCT03814590). Healthy adults aged 18–40 years were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive 2 doses of either Low-, Medium- or High-dose of RSVPreF3 non-adjuvanted vaccine or placebo, 2 months apart. Following favorable safety outcomes, adults aged 60–80 years were randomized 1:1:1:1:1:1:1:1:1:1 in a 2-step staggered manner to receive 1 of the 9 RSV vaccine formulations containing Low-, Medium- or High-dose of RSVPreF3, non-adjuvanted or adjuvanted with AS01_E or AS01_B, or placebo (same schedule). Humoral and cellular-mediated immune responses are assessed before and after each dose; results up to 1 month post-dose 1 are shown here.

Results

Of 48 adults aged 18–40 years and 1005 aged 60–80 years included in the exposed set, 42 and 933, respectively, were part of per-protocol set at 1 month post-dose 1. RSVPreF3 IgG geometric mean antibody concentrations were 8.4–13.5 and 7.2–12.8 fold-higher at 1 month post-dose 1 vs baseline in the 18–40- and 60–80-year-old vaccinees, respectively (Fig 1A). RSV-A neutralization activity significantly increased in all RSV vaccinees, geometric mean antibody titers being 7.5–13.7 and 5.6–9.9 fold-higher in 18–40- and 60–80-year-olds, respectively, at 1 month post-dose 1 vs baseline (Fig 1B). Geometric mean ratios of the fold increase between RSVPreF3 IgG antibody concentrations and RSV-A neutralizing antibody titers ranged between 0.9–1.1 in 18–40-year-old and 1.3–1.5 in 60–80-year-old vaccinees. A robust RSVPreF3-specific CD4+ T-cell response was elicited at 1 month post-dose 1 vs baseline in both 18–40- and 60–80-year-olds (Fig 2).

Figure 1. RSVPreF3 IgG geometric mean antibody concentrations (GMCs, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, panel A), RSV-A neutralizing geometric mean antibody titers (GMTs, neutralization assay, panel B)

Figure 2. RSVPreF3-specific CD4+ T-cells identified as expressing ≥2 markers among IL2, CD40L, TNF-□, IFN-□ (intracellular cytokine staining assay)

Conclusion

One dose of RSVPreF3 candidate vaccine boosted humoral and cellular immune responses in all vaccinees. In older adults, higher humoral response, mostly neutralizing, was observed with increased RSVPreF3 antigen dosage and a tendency of higher cellular response was observed after adjuvanted formulations.

Funding

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA

Disclosures

Javier Ruiz Guiñazú, MD MSc, GSK group of companies (Employee, Shareholder) Jelena Tica, PhD, GSK group of companies (Employee, Shareholder) Charles P. Andrews, MD, GSK group of companies (Scientific Research Study Investigator) Charles Fogarty, MD, GSK group of companies (Grant/Research Support) Edward Kerwin, MD, Amphastar (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)AstraZeneca (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Boehringer Ingelheim (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Chiesi (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Cipla (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)GSK group of companies (Employee, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Mylan (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Novartis (Employee, Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support, Speaker’s Bureau)other around 40 pharmaceutical companies (Other Financial or Material Support, conducted multicenter clinical research trials)Pearl (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Sunovion (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Theravance (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau) Isabel Leroux-Roels, MD PhD, GSK group of companies (Scientific Research Study Investigator) Corinne Vandermeulen, MD PhD, GSK group of companies (Other Financial or Material Support, My university only received Grant/Research Support) Marie-Pierre David, MSc, GSK group of companies (Employee, Shareholder) Nancy Dezutter, PhD, PharmD, RPh, GSK group of companies (Employee, Shareholder) Nathalie De Schrevel, PhD, GSK group of companies (Employee) Laurence Fissette, MSc, GSK group of companies (Employee) Narcisa Mesaros, MD, MSc, GSK group of companies (Employee)

Hamster neogenin, a host-cell protein contained in a respiratory syncytial virus candidate vaccine, induces antibody responses in rabbits but not in clinical trial participants

A recombinant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion glycoprotein candidate vaccine (RSV-PreF) manufactured in Chinese hamster ovary cells was developed for immunization of pregnant women, to protect newborns against RSV disease through trans-placental antibody transfer. Traces of a host-cell protein, hamster neogenin (haNEO1), were identified in purified RSV-PreF antigen material. Given the high amino-acid sequence homology between haNEO1 and human neogenin (huNEO1), there was a risk that potential vaccine-induced anti-neogenin immunity could affect huNEO1 function in mother or fetus. Anti-huNEO1 IgGs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in sera from rabbits and trial participants (Phase 1 and 2 trials enrolling 128 men and 500 non-pregnant women, respectively; NCT01905215/NCT02360475) collected after immunization with RSV-PreF formulations containing different antigen doses with/without aluminum-hydroxide adjuvant. In rabbits, four injections administered at 14-day intervals induced huNEO1-specific IgG responses in an antigen-dose- and adjuvant-dependent manner, which plateaued in the highest-dose groups after three injections. In humans, no vaccination-induced anti-huNEO1 IgG responses were detected upon a single immunization, as the values in vaccine and control groups fluctuated around pre-vaccination levels up to 90/360 days post-vaccination. A minority of participants had anti-huNEO1 levels ≥ assay cutoff before vaccination, which did not increase post-vaccination. Thus, despite detecting vaccine-induced huNEO1-specific responses in rabbits, we found no evidence that the candidate vaccine had induced anti-huNEO1 immunity in human adults. The antigen purification process was nevertheless optimized, and haNEO1-reduced vaccines were used in a subsequent Phase 2 trial enrolling 400 non-pregnant women (NCT02956837), in which again no vaccine-induced anti-huNEO1 responses were detected.

Different Adjuvants Induce Common Innate Pathways That Are Associated with Enhanced Adaptive Responses against a Model Antigen in Humans

To elucidate the role of innate responses in vaccine immunogenicity, we compared early responses to hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) combined with different Adjuvant Systems (AS) in healthy HBV-naïve adults, and included these parameters in multi-parametric models of adaptive responses. A total of 291 participants aged 18–45 years were randomized 1:1:1:1:1 to receive HBsAg with AS01_B, AS01_E, AS03, AS04, or Alum/Al(OH)₃ at days 0 and 30 (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00805389). Blood protein, cellular, and mRNA innate responses were assessed at early time-points and up to 7 days after vaccination, and used with reactogenicity symptoms in linear regression analyses evaluating their correlation with HBs-specific CD4⁺ T-cell and antibody responses at day 44. All AS induced transient innate responses, including interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP), mostly peaking at 24 h post-vaccination and subsiding to baseline within 1–3 days. After the second but not the first injection, median interferon (IFN)-γ levels were increased in the AS01_B group, and IFN-γ-inducible protein-10 levels and IFN-inducible genes upregulated in the AS01 and AS03 groups. No distinct marker or signature was specific to one particular AS. Innate profiles were comparable between AS01_B, AS01_E, and AS03 groups, and between AS04 and Alum groups. AS group rankings within adaptive and innate response levels and reactogenicity prevalence were similar (AS01_B ≥ AS01_E > AS03 > AS04 > Alum), suggesting an association between magnitudes of inflammatory and vaccine responses. Modeling revealed associations between adaptive responses and specific traits of the innate response post-dose 2 (activation of the IFN-signaling pathway, CRP and IL-6 responses). In conclusion, the ability of AS01 and AS03 to enhance adaptive responses to co-administered HBsAg is likely linked to their capacity to activate innate immunity, particularly the IFN-signaling pathway.

A Randomized, Controlled, Observer-Blinded Phase 1 Study of the Safety and Immunogenicity of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine With or Without Alum Adjuvant

Background. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of childhood bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in early infancy. Immunization of pregnant women could boost preexisting immune responses, providing passive protection to newborns through placental transfer of anti-RSV antibody.

Methods. In this first-in-humans clinical trial of a purified recombinant RSV protein F vaccine engineered to preferentially maintain prefusion conformation (RSV-PreF), 128 healthy men 18–44 years old were randomized to one dose of a RSV-PreF vaccine containing 10, 30, or 60 µg of RSV-PreF antigen, with or without alum adjuvant, or control, and followed for one year for safety and immunogenicity outcomes.

Results. Injection site pain was the most common adverse event, reported by up to 81.3% of participants. The highest RSV neutralizing antibody responses were in the 30 µg RSV-PreF/alum, 60 µg RSV-PreF/alum, and 60 µg RSV-PreF/nonadjuvant groups. Responses were evident on day 7, and 30 days after vaccination these participants had RSV-A neutralizing antibody titers of ≥1:512, and >70% had titers of 1:1024, with titers increasing by 3.2–4.9 fold. Responses remained high on day 60 but waned on days 180 and 360.

Conclusions. The RSV-PreF vaccine elicited rapid RSV neutralizing antibody responses in healthy young men, with an acceptable adverse event profile.

Impact of adjuvants on CD4(+) T cell and B cell responses to a protein antigen vaccine: Results from a phase II, randomized, multicenter trial

Immunogenicity and safety of different adjuvants combined with a model antigen (HBsAg) were compared. Healthy HBV-naïve adults were randomized to receive HBs adjuvanted with alum or Adjuvant Systems AS01B, AS01E, AS03A or AS04 at Days 0 and 30. Different frequencies of HBs-specific CD4+ T cells 14days post dose 2 but similar polyfunctionality profiles were induced by the different adjuvants with frequencies significantly higher in the AS01B and AS01E groups than in the other groups. Antibody concentrations 30days post-dose 2 were significantly higher in AS01B, AS01E and AS03A than in other groups. Limited correlations were observed between HBs-specific CD4+ T cell and antibody responses. Injection site pain was the most common solicited local symptom and was more frequent in AS groups than in alum group. Different adjuvants formulated with the same antigen induced different adaptive immune responses and reactogenicity patterns in healthy naïve adults. The results summary for this study (GSK study number 112115 - NCT# NCT00805389) is available on the GSK Clinical Study Register and can be accessed at www.gsk-clinicalstudyregister.com.

Immunogenicity and safety of a booster dose of an investigational adjuvanted polyprotein HIV-1 vaccine in healthy adults and effect of administration of chloroquine

This phase II study evaluated the effect of chloroquine on the specific CD8(+) T-cell responses to and the safety of a booster dose of investigational human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) F4/AS01(B) vaccine containing 10 μg of recombinant fusion protein (F4) adjuvanted with the AS01(B) adjuvant system. Healthy adults aged 21 to 41 years, primed 3 years before with two F4/AS01(B) doses containing 10 or 30 μg of F4 (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT00434512), were randomized (1:1) to receive the F4/AS01(B) booster administered alone or 2 days after chloroquine (300 mg). F4-specific CD8(+)/CD4(+) T-cell responses were characterized by intracellular cytokine staining and lymphoproliferation assays and anti-F4 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). No effect of chloroquine on CD4(+)/CD8(+) T-cell and antibody responses and no vaccine effect on CD8(+) T-cell responses (cytokine secretion or proliferation) were detected following F4/AS01(B) booster administration. In vitro, chloroquine had a direct inhibitory effect on AS01(B) adjuvant properties; AS01-induced cytokine production decreased upon coincubation of cells with chloroquine. In the pooled group of participants primed with F4/AS01(B) containing 10 μg of F4, CD4(+) T-cell and antibody responses induced by primary vaccination persisted for at least 3 years. The F4/AS01(B) booster induced strong F4-specific CD4(+) T-cell responses, which persisted for at least 6 months with similar frequencies and polyfunctional phenotypes as following primary vaccination, and high anti-F4 antibody concentrations, reaching higher levels than those following primary vaccination. The F4/AS01(B) booster had a clinically acceptable safety and reactogenicity profile. An F4/AS01(B) booster dose, administered alone or after chloroquine, induced robust antibody and F4-specific CD4(+) T-cell responses but no significant CD8(+) T-cell responses (cytokine secretion or proliferation) in healthy adults. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration number NCT00972725).