Safety Study of Recombinant Vaccine to Prevent ETEC Diarrhea

A Phase 1 Dose-Escalating Study of dscCfaE, Co-Administered With and Without LTR192G, by Transcutaneous Immunization (TCI) in Healthy Adult U.S. Volunteers

The purpose of the study is to determine if immunization with a recombinant E. coli protein, dscCfaE, is safe and immunogenic when administered through the skin using a patch.

The purpose of the study is to determine if immunization with dscCfaE with or without a modified E. coli heat labile enterotoxin, LTR192G, is safe and immunogenic when administered transcutaneously using a skin wet-patch. If the vaccine is found safe and adequately immunogenic in humans, a phase 2b vaccination/challenge study would be undertaken to further evaluate vaccine safety and allow a preliminary assessment of efficacy. With favorable evidence for safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, complemented by advances in standard methodology to combine multiple adhesins with an appropriate LT enterotoxoid form, a multivalent vaccine would be constructed and evaluated for further clinical development.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy, adult, male or female, age 18 to 45 years (inclusive) at the time of enrollment.
• Completion and review of comprehension test (achieved > 70% accuracy).
• Signed informed consent document.
• Available for the required follow-up period and scheduled clinic visits.
• Women: Negative pregnancy test with understanding (through informed consent process) to not become pregnant during the study or within three (3) months following study completion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Health problems such as, chronic medical conditions such as psychiatric conditions, diabetes mellitus, hypertension or any other conditions that might place the volunteer at increased risk of adverse events. Study clinicians, in consultation with the principal investigator (PI), will use clinical judgment on a case-by-case basis to assess safety risks under this criterion. The PI will consult with the Medical Monitor as appropriate.
• Clinically significant abnormalities on physical examination.
• Immunosuppressive drugs (use of systemic corticosteroids or chemotherapeutics that may influence antibody development) or illness (including IgA deficiency).
• Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study period plus 3 months beyond the last study safety visit and currently nursing women.
• Participation in research involving another investigational product (defined as receipt of investigational product or exposure to invasive investigational device) 30 days before planned date of first vaccination or anytime through the last study safety visit.
• Positive blood test for HBsAg, HCV, HIV-1.
• Clinically significant abnormalities on basic laboratory screening.
• Immunosuppressive illness or IgA deficiency (below the normal limits).
• Exclusionary skin history/findings that would confound assessment or prevent appropriate local monitoring of adverse events (AEs), or possibly increase the risk of an AE.
• History of chronic skin disease (clinician judgment).
• History of atopy.
• Acute skin infection/eruptions on the upper arms including fungal infections, severe acne or active contact dermatitis.
• Allergies that may increase the risk of AEs.
• Regular use (weekly or more often) of antidiarrheal, anti-constipation, or antacid therapy.
• Abnormal stool pattern (fewer than 3 stools per week or more than 3 stools per day) on a regular basis; loose or liquid stools on other than an occasional basis.
• History of microbiologically confirmed Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) or V. cholerae infection.
• Travel to countries where ETEC or V. cholerae or other enteric infections are endemic (most of the developing world) within two years prior to dosing (clinician judgment).
• Received previous experimental ETEC or V. cholerae vaccine or live ETEC or V. cholerae challenge.
• Occupation involving handling of ETEC or V. cholerae currently, or in the past 3 years.