Novavax RSV F Vaccine Clinical Trial Data in Women of Child Bearing Age Published in the Journal of Infectious Disease

The manuscript describes the randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical trial that evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of two dose levels of the RSV F Vaccine with and without aluminum phosphate adjuvant. The trial enrolled 330 women of childbearing age who received either one or two intramuscular injections of a single-dose (60 or 90 µg) of vaccine or placebo at study days 0 and 28.

The manuscript details the significant antibody response to the RSV F Vaccine including a 6.5-15.6-fold increase in anti-F IgG antibodies across all vaccine doses at day 56, with significantly higher levels in the two-dose adjuvanted regimens. Palivizumab-competing antibody (PCA) levels were undetectable at day 0 but increased up to between 205-325 µg/mL at day 56. Further, a 2.7 and 3.5-fold rise in RSV/A and RSV/B microneutralizing antibodies were detected at day 56, prior to the RSV season. Finally, between days 56 and 112, 21% (12/56) of placebo recipients showed evidence of a recent RSV infection by Western Blot compared to 11% of vaccinees (26/244) (p = 0.04). 

"These data are the foundation for our ongoing RSV F Vaccine development program to protect infants via maternal immunization," said Gregory Glenn, M.D., Senior Vice President of Research and Development. "The RSV F Vaccine stimulated high levels of anti-F, PCA and microneutralizing antibodies. Further, our ad hoc analysis via Western Blot, together with our recent data in older adults, provides an additional indication that the vaccine-induced immunity can protect against RSV infections in humans. We look forward to announcing additional data from our trial of the RSV F Vaccine in pregnant women later this quarter, a key milestone in our strategy to develop a vaccine designed to protect infants via maternal immunization."

About RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections and the leading viral cause of severe lower respiratory tract disease in infants and young children worldwide, with estimated annual infection and mortality rates of 64 million and 160,000, respectively¹. In the US, RSV is responsible for approximately 57,000 hospitalizations of children under five years of age annually, the vast majority of which occur in infants less than one year old, and especially those under six months of age^2-4. Despite the induction of post-infectious immunity, repeat infection and lifelong susceptibility is common⁵. Currently, there is no approved RSV vaccine available. Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody, licensed and sold by MedImmune as Synagis^®, that targets the RSV F protein and is used for prophylaxis against RSV disease in high risk infants.

About Novavax

Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVAX) is a clinical-stage vaccine company committed to delivering novel products to prevent a broad range of infectious diseases. Our recombinant nanoparticles and Matrix-M(TM) adjuvant technology are the foundation for groundbreaking innovation that improves global health through safe and effective vaccines. Additional information about Novavax is available on the company's website, novavax.com.

References:

1. Nair, H. et al. Global burden of acute lower respiratory infections due to respiratory syncytial virus in young children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet, 2010; 375: 1545-1555.
2. Stockman, L.J. et al. Respiratory syncytial virus-associated hospitalizations among infants and young children in the United States, 1997-2006. Pediatr Infect Dis J, 2012; 31:5-9.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, update May 5, 2015. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection. Trends and Surveillance. http://www.cdc.gov/rsv/research/us-surveillance.html
4. Boyce, T.G. et al. Rates of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus infection among children in Medicaid. J Pediatr, 2000; 137:865-870.
5. Glezen, W.P. et al. Risk of primary infection and reinfection with respiratory syncytial virus. Am J Dis Child, 1986; 140:543-546.

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