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Published on: May 11, 2018
Bioneedles as alternative delivery system for hepatitis B vaccine
Hoang J H B Hirschberg1, Gijsbert G P van de Wijdeven, Heleen Kraan
1Unit R&D, Netherlands Vaccine Institute, Bilthoven, The Netherlands. hoang.hirschberg@nvi-vaccin.nl
Summary
Bioneedles offer a stable alternative to traditional Hepatitis B vaccines. Formulations with HBsAg-lpxL1 showed superior stability and immunogenicity in early studies.
Area of Science:
- Vaccinology
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Needle-based injections are the standard for vaccine delivery.
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a key component of Hepatitis B vaccines.
- Developing alternative, stable vaccine delivery systems is crucial for global health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Bioneedles as an alternative vaccine delivery system for HBsAg.
- To compare the stability and immunogenicity of different HBsAg formulations within Bioneedles.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of HBsAg in Bioneedles with three variations: plain antigen, aluminum hydroxide adjuvant, and LPS-derived lpxL1 adjuvant.
- Assessment of vaccine stability at elevated temperatures (50°C).
- In vivo immunogenicity studies measuring IgG and IgG2a titers after immunization in animal models.
Main Results:
- HBsAg-lpxL1 Bioneedles demonstrated superior stability compared to conventional liquid vaccines, retaining antigenicity after 3 weeks at 50°C.
- Bioneedle formulations induced comparable IgG titers to conventional vaccines after two immunizations.
- Higher IgG2a titers were observed with HBsAg-lpxL1 Bioneedles after a single immunization.
Conclusions:
- Bioneedles represent a promising alternative delivery system for HBsAg vaccines.
- The HBsAg-lpxL1 Bioneedle formulation offers enhanced stability and potent immunogenicity.
- Further research into Bioneedle technology could improve vaccine accessibility and efficacy.
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