Dose, Safety, Tolerability and Immunogenicity of an Influenza H1 Stabilized Stem Ferritin Vaccine in Healthy Adults

VRC 321: A Phase I Open-Label Clinical Trial to Evaluate Dose, Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of an Influenza H1 Stabilized Stem Ferritin Vaccine, VRCFLUNPF099-00-VP, in Healthy Adults

Background:

The flu is a common viral infection that can be deadly for certain people. Vaccines against flu have been developed to teach the body to prevent or fight the infection. A new vaccine may help the body to make an immune response to H1 flu, a flu strain that infects humans.

Objective:

To test the safety and effectiveness of the H1 Stabilized Stem Ferritin vaccine (VRC-FLUNPF099-00-VP).

Eligibility:

Healthy people ages 18-70 years old who got at least 1 licensed flu vaccine since January 1, 2014.

Design:

Participants received 1 or 2 vaccinations by injections (shots) in the upper arm muscle over 4 months. Participants received a thermometer and recorded their temperature and symptoms every day a diary card for 7 days after each injection. The injection site was checked for redness, swelling, or bruising.

Participants had 9-11 follow-up visits over 12-15 months. At follow-up visits, participants had blood drawn and were checked for health changes or problems. Participants who reported influenza-like illness had nose and throat swabs for evaluation of viral infection.

Some participants had apheresis. A needle was placed into a vein in both arms. Blood was removed through a needle in the vein of one arm. A machine removed the white blood cells and then the rest of the blood was returned to the participant through a needle in the other arm.

A separate consent was provided to participants for genetic testing on their samples.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Influenza Infection
• Intervention / Treatment: Biological: VRC-FLUNPF099-00-VP (H1ssF_3928)

Detailed Description

Study Design: This was a Phase I, open-label, dose escalation study to evaluate the dose, safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of VRC-FLUNPF099-00-VP in two regimens. The hypotheses were that the vaccine is safe and tolerable and will elicit an immune response. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the investigational vaccine in healthy adults. Secondary objectives were related to immunogenicity of the investigational vaccine and dosing regimen.

Study Products: The investigational vaccine, VRC-FLUNPF099-00-VP (H1ssF_3928), was developed by the Vaccine Research Center (VRC), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and is composed of Helicobacter pylori non-heme ferritin assembled with influenza virus H1 haemagglutinin (HA) insert to form a nanoparticle displaying eight HA stabilized stem trimers from A/New Caledonia/20/1999 (H1N1) influenza. The vaccine was supplied in single-use vials at a concentration of 180 mcg/mL. H1ssF_3928 was administered intramuscularly (IM) in the deltoid muscle via needle and syringe.

Participants: Healthy adults between the ages of 18-70 years, inclusive.

Study Plan: The study evaluated the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of 1 or 2 doses of the H1ssF_3928 vaccine in a dose-escalation design. In Group 1, five participants received a single low dose (20 mcg) of H1ssF_3928 on Day 0. For Group 1, the protocol required 1 vaccination visit, about 9 follow-up visits, and a telephone contact after vaccination.

Once the low dose was assessed as safe and well tolerated, enrollment began for Group 2A. Groups 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D were stratified by age as shown in the vaccination schema below. In Group 2A, participants received a higher dose (60 mcg) of H1ssF_3928 on Day 0. Once this higher dose was assessed as safe and well tolerated, participants in Group 2A received a second vaccination at Week 16 and enrollment began for Groups 2B, 2C, and 2D. For Groups 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, the protocol required 2 vaccination visits, about 11 follow-up visits, and a telephone contact after each vaccination. Group 2A completed the product administration schedule per protocol. While most participants in Groups 2B-2D completed the second dose administration per protocol, one participant was not able to receive the second dose due to moving out of the area and 11 participants were not able to receive their second dose due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For all groups, solicited reactogenicity was evaluated using a 7-day diary card. Assessment of vaccine safety included clinical observation and monitoring of hematological and chemical parameters at clinical visits throughout the study.

VRC 321 Vaccination Schema:

Group: 1; Age Cohort: 18-40; Participants: 5; Day 0: 20 mcg

Group: 2A; Age Cohort: 18-40; Participants: 12; Day 0: 60 mcg; Week 16: 60 mcg

Group: 2B; Age Cohort: 41-49; Participants: 12; Day 0: 60 mcg; Week 16: 60 mcg

Group: 2C; Age Cohort: 50-59; Participants: 12; Day 0: 60 mcg; Week 16: 60 mcg

Group: 2D; Age Cohort: 60-70; Participants: 11*; Day 0: 60 mcg; Week 16: 60 mcg

Total: 52*

*Recruitment for the final open group, Group 2D, was ongoing to meet the accrual target of 53 participants. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment was discontinued with a total of 52 participants enrolled.

Study Duration:

Group 1: Participants were evaluated for 52 weeks following the vaccine administration and through an influenza season.

Groups 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D: Participants were evaluated for 52 weeks following the last vaccine administration and through an influenza season.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 52
• Phase: Phase 1

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Maryland
    • Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
      • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years to 70 years (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

1. Healthy adults between the ages of 18-70 years inclusive
2. Based on history and examination, in good general health and without history of any of the conditions listed in the exclusion criteria
3. Received at least one licensed influenza vaccine from 2014 to the present
4. Able and willing to complete the informed consent process
5. If enrolled in Group 1: Available for clinic visits for 52 weeks after enrollment and through an influenza season
6. If enrolled in Group 2A, 2B, 2C, or 2D: Available for clinic visits for 68 weeks after enrollment and through an influenza season
7. Willing to have blood samples collected, stored indefinitely, and used for research purposes
8. Able to provide proof of identity to the satisfaction of the study clinician completing the enrollment process

9. Physical examination and laboratory results without clinically significant findings and a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than or equal to 40 within the 28 days before enrollment

   Laboratory Criteria within 28 days before enrollment

10. White blood cells (WBC) and differential either within institutional normal range or accompanied by the site Principal Investigator (PI) or designee approval
11. Total lymphocyte count greater than or equal to 800 cells/mm^3
12. Platelets = 125,000 - 500,000/mm3
13. Hemoglobin within institutional normal range
14. Serum iron either within institutional normal range or accompanied by the site PI or designee approval
15. Serum ferritin within institutional normal range or accompanied by the site PI or designee approval
16. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) less than or equal to 1.25 x institutional upper limit of normal (ULN)
17. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) less than or equal to 1.25 x institutional ULN
18. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) <1.1 x institutional ULN
19. Total bilirubin within institutional normal range
20. Serum creatinine less than or equal to 1.1 x institutional ULN

21. Negative for HIV infection by an FDA-approved method of detection

    Criteria applicable to women of childbearing potential:

22. Negative beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) pregnancy test (urine or serum) on the day of enrollment
23. Agreed to use an effective means of birth control from at least 21 days prior to enrollment through the end of the study

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

1. Breast-feeding or planning to become pregnant during the study.

   Participant has received any of the following substances:

2. More than 10 days of systemic immunosuppressive medications or cytotoxic medications within the 4 weeks prior to enrollment or any within the 14 days prior to enrollment
3. Blood products within 16 weeks prior to enrollment
4. Live attenuated vaccines within 4 weeks prior to enrollment
5. Inactivated vaccines within 2 weeks prior to enrollment
6. Investigational research agents within 4 weeks prior to enrollment or planned to receive investigational products while on the study
7. Current allergy treatment with allergen immunotherapy with antigen injections, unless on maintenance schedule
8. Current anti-TB (tuberculosis) prophylaxis or therapy
9. Previous investigational H1 influenza vaccine
10. Previous investigational ferritin-based vaccine

11. Receipt of a licensed influenza vaccine within 6 weeks before trial enrollment

    Participant has a history of any of the following clinically significant conditions:

12. Serious reactions to vaccines that preclude receipt of study vaccinations as determined by the investigator
13. Hereditary angioedema, acquired angioedema, or idiopathic forms of angioedema
14. Asthma that is not well controlled
15. Diabetes mellitus (type I or II), with the exception of gestational diabetes
16. Thyroid disease that is not well controlled
17. Idiopathic urticaria within the past year
18. Autoimmune disease or immunodeficiency
19. Hypertension that is not well controlled (baseline systolic > 140 mmHg or diastolic > 90 mmHg)
20. Bleeding disorder diagnosed by a doctor (e.g. factor deficiency, coagulopathy, or platelet disorder requiring special precautions) or significant bruising or bleeding difficulties with IM injections or blood draws
21. Malignancy that is active or history of malignancy that is likely to recur during the period of the study.
22. Seizure disorder other than 1) febrile seizures, 2) seizures secondary to alcohol withdrawal more than 3 years ago, or 3) seizures that have not required treatment within the last 3 years
23. Asplenia, functional asplenia or any condition resulting in the absence or removal of the spleen
24. Guillain-Barré Syndrome
25. Any medical, psychiatric, social condition, occupational reason or other responsibility that, in the judgment of the investigator, is a contraindication to protocol participation or impairs a participant's ability to give informed consent.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Prevention
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Sequential Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

5

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Group 1: H1ssF_3928 (20 mcg), ages 18-40 years; H1ssF_3928 (20 mcg) administered intramuscularly (IM) by Needle/Syringe (Day 0)	Biological: VRC-FLUNPF099-00-VP (H1ssF_3928); The vaccine is composed of the HA stem domain from Influenza A/New Caledonia/20/1999 (H1N1) genetically fused to the ferritin protein from H. pylori. Purified H1ssF_3928 particles display eight well-formed HA trimers that antigenically resemble the native H1 stem viral spikes.
Experimental: Group 2A: H1ssF_3928 (60 mcg), ages 18-40 years; H1ssF_3928 (60 mcg) administered IM by Needle/Syringe (Day 0 and Week 16)	Biological: VRC-FLUNPF099-00-VP (H1ssF_3928); The vaccine is composed of the HA stem domain from Influenza A/New Caledonia/20/1999 (H1N1) genetically fused to the ferritin protein from H. pylori. Purified H1ssF_3928 particles display eight well-formed HA trimers that antigenically resemble the native H1 stem viral spikes.
Experimental: Group 2B: H1ssF_3928 (60 mcg), ages 41-49 years; H1ssF_3928 (60 mcg) administered IM by Needle/Syringe (Day 0 and Week 16)	Biological: VRC-FLUNPF099-00-VP (H1ssF_3928); The vaccine is composed of the HA stem domain from Influenza A/New Caledonia/20/1999 (H1N1) genetically fused to the ferritin protein from H. pylori. Purified H1ssF_3928 particles display eight well-formed HA trimers that antigenically resemble the native H1 stem viral spikes.
Experimental: Group 2C: H1ssF_3928 (60 mcg), ages 50-59 years; H1ssF_3928 (60 mcg) administered IM by Needle/Syringe (Day 0 and Week 16)	Biological: VRC-FLUNPF099-00-VP (H1ssF_3928); The vaccine is composed of the HA stem domain from Influenza A/New Caledonia/20/1999 (H1N1) genetically fused to the ferritin protein from H. pylori. Purified H1ssF_3928 particles display eight well-formed HA trimers that antigenically resemble the native H1 stem viral spikes.
Experimental: Group 2D: H1ssF_3928 (60 mcg), ages 60-70 years; H1ssF_3928 (60 mcg) administered IM by Needle/Syringe (Day 0 and Week 16)	Biological: VRC-FLUNPF099-00-VP (H1ssF_3928); The vaccine is composed of the HA stem domain from Influenza A/New Caledonia/20/1999 (H1N1) genetically fused to the ferritin protein from H. pylori. Purified H1ssF_3928 particles display eight well-formed HA trimers that antigenically resemble the native H1 stem viral spikes.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Number of Participants Reporting Local Reactogenicity Signs and Symptoms Within 7 Days of Each H1ssF_3928 Product Administration	Participants recorded the occurrence of solicited symptoms on a diary card for 7 days after each study product administration and reviewed the diary card with clinic staff at a follow up visit. Participants were counted once for each symptom at the worst severity if they indicated experiencing the symptom more than one time at any severity during the reporting period. The number reported for "Any Local Symptom" is the number of participants reporting any local symptom at the worst severity. Reactogenicity grading (Mild, Moderate, Severe) was done using the Toxicity Grading Scale for Healthy Adult and Adolescent Volunteers Enrolled in Preventive Vaccine Clinical Trials, modified from FDA Guidance - September 2007.	7 days after each H1ssF_3928 product administration, at approximately Week 1 and at approximately Week 17
Number of Participants Reporting Systemic Reactogenicity Signs and Symptoms Within 7 Days of Each H1ssF_3928 Product Administration	Participants recorded the occurrence of solicited symptoms on a diary card for 7 days after each study product administration and reviewed the diary card with clinic staff at a follow up visit. Participants were counted once for each symptom at the worst severity if they indicated experiencing the symptom more than one time at any severity during the reporting period. The number reported for "Any Systemic Symptom" is the number of participants reporting any systemic symptom at the worst severity. Reactogenicity grading (Mild, Moderate, Severe) was done using the Toxicity Grading Scale for Healthy Adult and Adolescent Volunteers Enrolled in Preventive Vaccine Clinical Trials, modified from FDA Guidance - September 2007.	7 days after each H1ssF_3928 product administration, at approximately Week 1 and at approximately Week 17
Number of Participants With One or More Unsolicited Non-Serious Adverse Events (AEs) Following H1ssF_3928 Product Administration	Unsolicited AEs and attribution assessments were recorded in the study database from receipt of the first study product administration through the visit scheduled for 4 weeks after each study product administration. At other time periods between study product administrations and when greater than 4 weeks after the last study product administration, only serious AEs (SAEs reported as a separate outcome and in the AE module), influenza-like illness (ILI) or influenza and new chronic medical conditions that required ongoing medical management (reported as separate outcomes) were recorded through the last study visit. The relationship between an AE and the study product was assessed by the investigator based on clinical judgment and the definitions outlined in the protocol. A participant with multiple experiences of the same event is counted once using the event of worst severity.	Day 0 through 4 weeks after each H1ssF_3928 product administration, up to Week 20
Number of Participants With Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) Following H1ssF_3928 Product Administration	SAEs were recorded from receipt of first study product administration through the last expected study visit at Week 68. The relationship between a SAE and the study product was assessed by the investigator based on clinical judgment and the definitions outlined in the protocol. A participant with multiple experiences of the same event is counted once using the event of worst severity.	Day 0 through the study participation, up to Week 68
Number of Participants With Influenza or Influenza-like Illness (ILIs) Following H1ssF_3928 Product Administration	Influenza or influenza-like illness (ILI) were recorded in the study database from receipt of the first study product administration through the last study visit.	Day 0 through the study participation, up to Week 68
Number of Participants With New Chronic Medical Conditions Following H1ssF_3928 Product Administration	New chronic medical conditions that required ongoing medical management were recorded from receipt of first study product administration through the last expected study visit at Week 68. The relationship between a new chronic medical condition and the study product was assessed by the investigator based on clinical judgment and the definitions outlined in the protocol. A participant with multiple experiences of the same event is counted once using the event of worst severity.	Day 0 through the study participation, up to Week 68
Number of Participants With Abnormal Laboratory Measures of Safety Following H1ssF_3928 Product Administration	Any abnormal laboratory results recorded after product administration as unsolicited adverse events (AEs) are summarized. Safety laboratory parameters included hematology (hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, and white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil and basophil percents/counts) and chemistry (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alanine aspartate (AST), alkaline phosphate (ALP), creatinine and total bilirubin). Complete blood count (CBC) with differential, total bilirubin, AST, ALT, and ALP results were collected at Days 14, 28, 280, 364 and 476. Iron and serum ferritin were collected at Day 28. Creatinine results were collected at Day 14. Institutional laboratory normal ranges as well as the Toxicity Grading Scale for Healthy Adult and Adolescent Volunteers Enrolled in Preventative Vaccine Clinical Trials FDA Guidance, September 2007 were used.	Day 0 through the study participation, up to Week 68

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Pseudoviral Neutralization Assay Geometric Mean Titer (GMT) Against Homologous A/New Caledonia/20/1999 Virus (H1N1) Following the Completion of Each Vaccination Regimen	Pseudoviral neutralization antibody titers were determined against the homologous H1N1 A/New Caledonia/20/99 virus, and were summarized using geometric mean 80% inhibitory concentration (IC80).	Baseline to 2 weeks after 1st dose for participants who received a single injection, at Week 2 or From Baseline to 2 weeks after 1st dose and from Week 16 to 2 weeks after 2nd dose for participants who received two injections, at Weeks 2 and 18

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Alicia T Widge, M.D., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Krammer F, Palese P, Steel J. Advances in universal influenza virus vaccine design and antibody mediated therapies based on conserved regions of the hemagglutinin. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 2015;386:301-21. doi: 10.1007/82_2014_408.
• Kanekiyo M, Wei CJ, Yassine HM, McTamney PM, Boyington JC, Whittle JR, Rao SS, Kong WP, Wang L, Nabel GJ. Self-assembling influenza nanoparticle vaccines elicit broadly neutralizing H1N1 antibodies. Nature. 2013 Jul 4;499(7456):102-6. doi: 10.1038/nature12202. Epub 2013 May 22.
• Yassine HM, Boyington JC, McTamney PM, Wei CJ, Kanekiyo M, Kong WP, Gallagher JR, Wang L, Zhang Y, Joyce MG, Lingwood D, Moin SM, Andersen H, Okuno Y, Rao SS, Harris AK, Kwong PD, Mascola JR, Nabel GJ, Graham BS. Hemagglutinin-stem nanoparticles generate heterosubtypic influenza protection. Nat Med. 2015 Sep;21(9):1065-70. doi: 10.1038/nm.3927. Epub 2015 Aug 24.

Helpful Links

• NIH Clinical Center Detailed Web Page

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): April 1, 2019
• Primary Completion (Actual): April 6, 2021
• Study Completion (Actual): April 6, 2021

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 23, 2019
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 23, 2019
• First Posted (Actual): January 24, 2019

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 29, 2022
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 4, 2022
• Last Verified: April 1, 2022

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Flu; Viral Infection; Seasonal Allergy; Respiratory Illness; Flu Virus
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: RNA Virus Infections; Virus Diseases; Infections; Respiratory Tract Infections; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Orthomyxoviridae Infections; Influenza, Human
• Other Study ID Numbers: 190032; 19-I-0032 (Other Identifier: NIH IRB)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: No

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: Yes
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No