The trial, performed in collaboration with a team based in Leicester, UK, will oversee the vaccination of 560 healthy adult individuals.
Conventional vaccines against H5 and H9 avian influenza subtypes work only at much higher doses than in seasonal vaccines, making it impossible to meet the world’s vaccine requirements in the event of an H5 or H9 pandemic.
Formulations of H9 vaccine that are expected to enhance the immune response while enabling the vaccine to be used sparingly are being tested in the trial, with different dose levels also being studied. The intradermal route of immunization will be tested as it may also allow a reduction in the amount of antigen used.
The study will allow Crucell to choose the best vaccine modality to be tested in further clinical studies with pandemic vaccines, including vaccines against H5N1 avian influenza. First results of the study are expected by the end of 2006.
“We are proud to be involved in the testing of different production methods and ways to improve protection against pandemic flu,” said Jaap Goudsmit, CSO of Crucell.