A single administration of a novel, nasally delivered influenza vaccine elicited immune responses in ferrets that were more than 20 times higher than those generated by two injections of the currently approved vaccines, according to a study by NanoBio Corporation. The new vaccine used only half the standard antigen dose to produce this effect.
Results of the study are being presented today at the 48th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC)/Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 46th annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
The company's nasal vaccines exert adjuvant activity without the need for pro-inflammatory materials, toxins or cytokines.
"Our nanoemulsion-based intranasal vaccine adjuvant system represents a paradigm shift in vaccinology. It can be used to safely deliver multiple antigen types directly into the lining of the nasal mucosa, which is rich in dendritic cells that present the antigen(s) to the immune system," said James R. Baker, Jr., MD, founder and chairman of NanoBio Corp. "The nanoemulsion adjuvant uniquely interacts with these cells to trigger unparalleled mucosal and systemic immunity."
In the study, ferrets received 7.5, 15 and 45 micrograms of nanoemulsion-adjuvanted influenza vaccine (n=12 ferrets/dose). All three doses produced antibody responses substantially higher than those triggered by the standard intramuscular vaccine. The ferrets, which represent the most relevant influenza animal model for humans, were then challenged with live influenza virus, and all were protected.
"A large, unmet medical need still exists for protecting people from influenza infection," Baker said. "The robust immunity and antigen-sparing capability demonstrated in this study are especially important for addressing this unmet need, as are the demands for a vaccine that would protect people in the face of a flu pandemic."
NanoBio plans to begin a phase 1 clinical study for seasonal influenza in the first half of 2009 and is currently initiating preclinical studies in pandemic flu.
Source: NanoBio Corporation
Managerial Challenges: Setting Boundaries and Priorities in the Workplace
May 3rd 2024Maintaining boundaries can be challenging in a culture of overwork. In this installment of Dear Helpdesk, learn how to communicate effectively with your boss, prioritize your values, and safeguard your work-life balance.
Comprehensive Guide to Lymphedema: Causes, Prevention, and Management Strategies
May 3rd 2024Lymphedema, a chronic condition often stemming from cancer treatments, leads to tissue swelling. Early detection through surveillance programs and proper skincare can prevent complications like infections.
Advancing Viral Disease Treatment of Recurrent Genital Herpes, Hepatitis B and D Viruses
May 2nd 2024Health care has an unmet need for the treatment of herpesviruses, hepatitis B, and hepatitis D, which would enhance patient outcomes. What should be done, and what challenges do companies that are trying to develop treatments face?