A novel mammalian cell-culture technique for consistent production of a well-tolerated and immunogenic trivalent subunit influenza vaccine

Vaccine. 2009 Oct 9;27(43):6022-9. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.07.083. Epub 2009 Aug 8.

Abstract

Conventional influenza vaccine production methods have limitations due to their reliance on chicken eggs. We evaluated whether a mammalian cell-culture system could reliably produce an influenza vaccine with favourable tolerability and immunogenicity profiles. Adult subjects (n=1200; 18-60 years of age) were randomized (2:2:2:1) to receive either one of three lots of a cell-culture-derived influenza vaccine (CCIV) or an egg-based trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV). Safety and reactogenicity were assessed using solicited indicators for 7 days post-vaccination, all other adverse events (AEs) were recorded for 21 days post-vaccination, and all serious AEs and AEs necessitating a physician's visit, and/or resulting in subject's withdrawal from the study, were collected for up to 6 months post-vaccination. Antibody titres were measured by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay using egg-based viral antigens. All three lots of CCIV had similar safety and tolerability profiles, analogous to those of the TIV. Lot-to-lot consistency was statistically demonstrated through bioequivalence for immunogenicity. Antibody titres assessed at 6 months demonstrated good persistence. This Phase III trial is the first to demonstrate lot-to-lot bioequivalence of a CCIV and persistence of immunogenicity in comparison with a TIV.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Female
  • Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines / adverse effects
  • Influenza Vaccines / biosynthesis
  • Influenza Vaccines / immunology*
  • Influenza, Human / immunology
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality Control
  • Vaccines, Inactivated / immunology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Inactivated