Bavarian Nordic A/S reports positive data from first EUA enabling study with IMVAMUNE smallpox vaccine
The study, together with other Phase II studies with IMVAMUNE® in immune-compromised persons, is pivotal for obtaining an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The company still expects to receive approval of the EUA application in second half of 2008.
Traditional smallpox vaccines are associated with a high risk of heart complications (e.g. myo-/pericarditis) in approximately 1 in every 150 people vaccinated for the first time. Therefore, aside from assessing general immune response and safety, the primary focus of this study was to compare cardiac safety in the different study groups following vaccination with IMVAMUNE®. The large amount of safety data collected from the 745 people who completed this study confirmed the excellent safety and tolerability profile of IMVAMUNE®. Importantly, vaccinations with IMVAMUNE® did not result in any clinically significant abnormal cardiac findings and no cardiac events (e.g. cases of myo-/pericarditis) that have been reported for traditional smallpox vaccines.
Moreover, vaccinations with IMVAMUNE® resulted in seroconversion (detectable immune responses) in almost all subjects (98.9%) previously not vaccinated against smallpox. Similarly, a single vaccination with IMVAMUNE® boosted the immune responses in the majority of people whom had historically already been vaccinated against smallpox.
This study completes the Phase II development of IMVAMUNE® in healthy subjects and this now leads to planning with the FDA on the design of the Phase III study that is planned to commence in 2008.
Most read news
Other news from the department research and development
Get the life science industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.