Study of Live Attenuated ChimeriVax™-Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo Controlled Phase II, Dose-ranging Study of the Safety, Tolerability and Immunogenicity of Live Attenuated ChimeriVax™-JE Vaccine (Lyophilised)

The purpose of this study is to assess the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a new formulation of lyophilised ChimeriVax™-JE, given at three dose levels, compared with placebo.

Primary Objectives:

Safety:

• To obtain safety and tolerability data for a single subcutaneous vaccination with ChimeriVax™-JE, at three dose levels, in healthy adult volunteers (18-49 years old).

Immunogenicity:

• To obtain data on the antibody response to a single subcutaneous vaccination with ChimeriVax™-JE, at three dose levels, in healthy adult volunteers without prior Japanese encephalitis immunity.
• To assess the durability of immune response up to 12 months following a single subcutaneous vaccination with ChimeriVax™-JE, at three dose levels.

All participants will received a single dose of study vaccine, ChimeriVax™-JE or placebo on Day 0. The double-blind treatment phase will last 30 days, with follow-up visits at 6 and 12 months.

Inclusion Criteria :

• All aspects of the protocol explained and written informed consent obtained from the participant.
• Aged ≥18 to < 49 years.
• In good general health, without significant medical history, physical examination findings, or clinically significant abnormal laboratory results.
• Participant must be available for the study duration, including all planned follow-up visits.
• Participant must agree to take the following precautions to avoid insect bites for 7 days following vaccination by using N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET)-containing insect repellent, where appropriate.
• For female participants: Negative pregnancy tests at Screening and Day 0, in conjunction with a menstrual and contraceptive history indicating a low probability of pregnancy in the opinion of the physician. Females of childbearing potential will be required to be correctly using an efficacious hormonal method of contraception or intrauterine device for at least 1 month before randomisation and during the on-study phase to Day 30. Barrier methods of contraception will not be considered acceptable for study entry. Female participants of child-bearing potential will sign an agreement that contraception will be correctly practised during the specified periods and will specify the method used. Female participants unable to become pregnant must have this documented (e.g., tubal ligation, hysterectomy or postmenopausal [at least one year since last menstrual period]).

Exclusion Criteria :

• A history of vaccination or infection to Japanese encephalitis (JE) or yellow fever (YF) or other flaviviruses (including Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, St Louis encephalitis, West Nile virus, dengue fever, Murray Valley encephalitis). Previous vaccination will be determined by history (interview of subject).
• Previous or current military service.
• History of residence in or travel to flavivirus endemic areas in the tropics (Cape York region of Northern Queensland, India, Southeast Asia, Central America, Caribbean or South America) for periods of 4 weeks or more.
• Known or suspected immunodeficiency (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection, primary immunodeficiency disorder, leukemia, lymphoma), use of immunosuppressive or antineoplastic drugs (corticosteroids > 10 mg prednisone, or equivalent, in the last three months or during the trial (up to Day 30).
• History of thymoma, thymic surgery (removal) or myasthenia gravis.
• Clinically significant abnormalities on laboratory assessment (i.e., meeting the mild, moderate or severe criteria described in the toxicity gradings for laboratory values).
• Anaphylaxis or other serious adverse reactions characterised by urticaria or angioedema to foods, hymenoptera (bee family) stings, or drugs (including vaccines).
• Transfusion of blood or treatment with any blood product, including intramuscular or intravenous serum globulin within six months of the Screening Visit or up to Day 30.
• Administration of another vaccine or antiviral within 30 days preceding the screening visit or up to Day 30 (these subjects will be rescheduled for vaccination at a later date).
• Physical examination indicating any clinically significant medical condition.
• Body temperature > 38.1°C (100.6°F) or acute illness within 3 days prior to inoculation (participant may be rescheduled).
• Intention to travel out of the area prior to the study visit on Day 30.
• Seropositive to hepatitis C virus or HIV or positive for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen.
• Lactation or intended pregnancy in female subjects.
• Excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, significant psychiatric illness.
• A known or suspected physiological or structural condition that compromises the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (e.g., significant hypertensive cerebrovascular disease, trauma, ischaemia, infection, inflammation of the brain).
• Intention to increase normal exercise routine, participate in contact sports or strenuous weight lifting or to initiate vigorous exercise from Screening until after Day 30.