Defining the optimal formulation and schedule of a candidate toxoid vaccine against Clostridium difficile infection: A randomized Phase 2 clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile, a major cause of nosocomial and antibiotic-associated diarrhea, carries a significant disease and cost burden. This study aimed to select an optimal formulation and schedule for a candidate toxoid vaccine against C. difficile toxins A and B. METHODS: Randomized, placebo-controlled, two-stage, Phase 2 study in a total of 661 adults aged 40-75 years. Stage I: low (50 µg antigen) or high (100 µg antigen) dose with or without aluminum hydroxide (AlOH) adjuvant, or placebo, administered on Days 0-7-30. Stage II: Days 0-7-30, 0-7-180, and 0-30-180, using the formulation selected in Stage I through a decision tree defined a priori and based principally on a bootstrap ranking approach. Administration was intramuscular. Blood samples were obtained on Days 0, 7, 14, 30, 60 (Stage I and II), 180, and 210 (Stage II); IgG to toxins A and B was measured by ELISA and in vitro functional activity was measured by toxin neutralizing assay (TNA). Safety data were collected using diary cards. RESULTS: In Stage I the composite immune response against toxins A and B (percentage of participants who seroconverted for both toxins) was highest in the high dose+adjuvant group (97% and 92% for Toxins A and B, respectively) and was chosen for Stage II. In Stage II the immune response profile for this formulation through Day 180 given on Days 0-7-30 ranked above the other two administration schedules. There were no safety issues. CONCLUSIONS: The high dose+adjuvant (100 µg antigen+AlOH) formulation administered at 0-7-30 days elicited the best immune response profile, including functional antibody responses, through Day 180 and was selected for use in subsequent clinical trials.

An Open Label, Phase 2 Study of MABp1 Monotherapy for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris and Psychiatric Comorbidity.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin disorder. There remain few rapid, safe, and effective therapy options for patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris that also address psychological comorbidities such as anxiety. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of interleukin 1 alpha blockade in patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris using the true human monoclonal antibody MABp1. METHODS: Eleven patients were administered open-label, subcutaneous injections of MABp1 over a six-week period. Objectives were assessment of safety, change in inflammatory lesion count and change in psychosocial functioning using two validated questionnaires. RESULTS: There were no serious adverse events, or adverse events greater than grade I. Median inflammatory lesion counts decreased 36% (IQR -44% to 1%). Anxiety scores improved (from median 6 to 1) as well as self-image assessment (2.3±0.9 to 2.1±0.1) as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the modified Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Patients had rapid improvement of skin lesions, as well as psychosocial functioning and anxiety. MABp1 may provide a safe and effective means for treating inflammatory acne lesions and. Further studies using this antibody are warranted in this patient population.