MF59 ADJUVANT ENHANCES THE ANTIBODY-RESPONSE TO RECOMBINANT HEPATITIS-B SURFACE-ANTIGEN VACCINE IN PRIMATES

The effect of the proprietary adjuvant MF59 on the immunogenicity of a recombinant hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine, PreS2+SAg, was investiga ted in baboons. The magnitude and duration of the antibody response to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) induced by the HBV/MF59 vaccin e was compared with the same antigen combined with alum and with two l icensed alum vaccines, After one immunization, the HBV/MF59 vaccine ge nerated anti-HBs titers > 10 mIU/mL in a greater proportion of animals , and mean titers were 26- to 84-fold higher than titers from alum vac cines, After a third immunization, the HBV/MF59 vaccine generated tite rs 38- to 127-fold higher than alum vaccines. Seven months after the t hird immunization, HBV/MF59 elicited titers 75- to 472-fold higher tha n alum vaccines. The dramatic immune response elicited by HBV/MFS9 in baboons suggests that MF59 may be a desirable adjuvant for use in impr oved HBV vaccines for humans.