Using immunopotentiating, reconstituted influenza virosomes (IRIV) as a del
ivery vehicle, a number of vaccines have been developed. In humans, IRIV-ba
sed vaccines containing hepatitis A and influenza antigens have been found
to possess enhanced immunogenicity compared to alum-adsorbed vaccine for he
patitis A or commercial subunits or whole virion influenza vaccines. These
vaccines were safe and did not engender any antiphospholipid antibodies aga
inst the liposome components of the IRIV. Hepatitis B, tetanus toroid and d
iphtheria toroid, and nucleic acids have also been incorporated into IRIVs.
These vaccines are now undergoing clinical phase I testing. IRIVs are also
being evaluated in phase I trials for their ability to deliver antigens by
the intranasal route, (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.