Pneubevax 14 safe, immunogenic in 6-8 week old infants: Biological E

In this study, the immunogenicity and safety of the BE's 14-Valent PCV (PNEUBEVAX 14TM; BE-PCV-14) containing two additional epidemiologically important serotypes (22F and 33F) were evaluated in infants, in comparison to the licensed comparator vaccine PCV-13.

This was a pivotal Phase-III single blind randomized active-controlled study conducted at 12 sites across India in 1290 healthy infants at 6-10-14 weeks dosing schedule to assess immunogenic non-inferiority and safety of PNEUBEVAX 14. Immunogenicity was assessed by measuring anti-Pneumococcal Capsular Polysaccharide (anti-PnCPS) IgG concentration and functional antibody titres through Opsonophagocytic Activity (OPA), one month after completing a three-dose schedule. Cross- protection against serotype 6A offered by serotype 6B was also assessed in this study.

PNEUBEVAX 14 was found to be safe and induced robust and functional serotype specific immune responses to all 14 serotypes. It also elicited cross-protective immune response against serotype 6A.These findings suggest that PNEUBEVAX 14 can be safely administered to infants and achieve protection against pneumococcal disease caused by serotypes covered in the vaccine.

The safety profile of PNEUBEVAX 14 was comparable to that of the PCV-13 vaccine. The majority of reported Adverse Events (AEs) were mild in nature. The NI criteria for the 12 common serotypes and the additional serotypes (22F and 33F) in PNEUBEVAX 14 were demonstrated according to WHO TRS-977. All 14 serotypes of PNEUBEVAX 14 had IgG immune responses that met the primary immunogenicity endpoint. Furthermore, a significant proportion of subjects (69%) seroconverted against serotype 6A, even though this antigen was not present in PNEUBEVAX 14. This indicates that serotype 6B of PNEUBEVAX 14 cross-protects serotype 6A. PNEUBEVAX 14 also elicited strong functional OPA immune responses comparable to those of all the serotypes common to PCV-13.

Mahima Datla, Managing Director, Biological E. Limited, said, ``We are pleased to announce that our Phase-III clinical trial results for PNEUBEVAX 14 have been published by the Vaccine Journal. We have reached a significant milestone in our ongoing fight against pneumococcal disease, and we are now one step closer to the finish line with our 14-Valent PCV Vaccine PNEUBEVAX 14. These findings underscore the success of our R&D and serve as a source of motivation for all of us at BE.’’

Biological E. Limited (BE), a Hyderabad-based Pharmaceuticals & Biologics Company founded in 1953. BE develops, manufactures and supplies vaccines and therapeutics. BE supplies its vaccines to more than 130 countries and its therapeutic products are sold in India, the USA and Europe. The portfolio of BE currently consists of 9 WHO-approved vaccines and 10 USFDA-approved Generic Injectables.

Recently, DCGI has approved BE’s 14-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine.

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