Brief Summary

This study will examine the recombinant, that is, produced by genetic engineering, protective antigen (rPA) that brings about antibodies to neutralize the anthrax toxin and that could therefore be predicted to offer protection against anthrax. Today, anthrax is rarely encountered in the United States, since the introduction of vaccines for cattle in the 1930s. A human vaccine was licensed in 1970. Vaccination against anthrax has been confined to people at risk, such as wool sorters and some veterinarians. However, the rising prospects of B. anthracis being used as a weapon have led to routine administration of the anthrax vaccine to members of the armed forces. Adults who are in good health may be eligible for this study. The involvement of 300 adults is planned. Participants will have a general physical exam and test for vital signs. There will also be collection of blood for chemistry and hematology; urinalysis; tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and liver function; and a pregnancy test, if applicable. On a random basis, patients will receive one of the rPA formulations. Two doses of rPA will be evaluated, 10 microgram ((Micro)g) and 20 (Micro)g. This evaluation aims to establish the safety and most desirable level of dosage. Patients will receive one injection of the vaccine, administered in the left shoulder or left thigh. About 30 minutes later, their temperature will be taken, and the injection site will be inspected. Rare but severe reactions could occur if there is extreme sensitivity to a vaccine. However, such an occurrence is extremely rare following a vaccine, and if there are any dangerous symptoms, they can be effectively treated by medications available to patients while they are at the clinic. If there are no significant abnormal results, patients may return home. About 6 hours later and daily for 7 days, they will take their temperature and examine the injection site. The vaccine may cause temporary discomfort at the site of injection, and participants may experience a mild fever for 1 or 2 days after vaccination. Patients will receive diary cards, a digital thermometer, and instructions on taking their temperature and measuring redness and swelling at the injection site, as well as for recording aches, muscle pain, or sensitivity to light for 7 days. They will be examined at the clinic at 72 hours following vaccination and also on the 7th day if they have a fever at or above 100.4 , if swelling is at or more than 2 inches, or if they request an exam. Meanwhile, a clinic staff member will call patients and discuss the findings. Then patients will receive a second and third injection of the same vaccine at 2-month intervals. There will also be interviews about patients' health at each visit to the clinic, plus monitoring of the vaccination after 6 hours and for 7 days. One year later, patients will receive a fourth injection of the same vaccine. Direct benefit to participants in this study is not guaranteed, although an antibody response is predicted. The results in this study will help in the development of improved vaccines for anthrax.

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
93

participants targeted

Target at P75+ for phase_1

Timeline
Completed

Started Sep 2004

Longer than P75 for phase_1

Geographic Reach
1 country

2 active sites

Status
completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

September 8, 2004

Completed
9 months until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

June 15, 2005

Completed
1 day until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

June 16, 2005

Completed
5.9 years until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

May 25, 2011

Completed
Last Updated

July 2, 2017

Status Verified

March 16, 2012

First QC Date

June 15, 2005

Last Update Submit

June 30, 2017

Conditions

Keywords

PAPhase IPhase 2SafetyImmunogenicity

Interventions

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 45 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

  • Healthy 18 to 45 year-olds of either sex.

You may not qualify if:

  • Patients receiving chronic medication, are pregnant or intend to become pregnant during the study.
  • Individuals who are HIV positive, have abnormal liver function, had anthrax, or received anthrax vaccine, have received or intend to receive an experimental vaccine or medication within 30 days of injection of the experimental anthrax vaccine.

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (2)

Georgetown University

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20007-2197, United States

Location

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

Location

Related Publications (3)

  • KEPPIE J, HARRIS-SMITH PW, SMITH H. THE CHEMICAL BASIS OF THE VIRULENCE OF BACILLUS ANTHRACIS. IX. ITS AGGRESSINS AND THEIR MODE OF ACTION. Br J Exp Pathol. 1963 Aug;44(4):446-53. No abstract available.

    PMID: 14079018BACKGROUND
  • Turnbull PC, Leppla SH, Broster MG, Quinn CP, Melling J. Antibodies to anthrax toxin in humans and guinea pigs and their relevance to protective immunity. Med Microbiol Immunol. 1988;177(5):293-303. doi: 10.1007/BF00189414.

    PMID: 3139974BACKGROUND
  • Schneerson R, Robbins JB, Taranger J, Lagergard T, Trollfors B. A toxoid vaccine for pertussis as well as diphtheria? Lessons to be relearned. Lancet. 1996 Nov 9;348(9037):1289-92. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(96)05243-9. No abstract available.

    PMID: 8909384BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Anthrax

Interventions

Anthrax VaccinesBlood Chemical AnalysisHematologic TestsUrinalysis

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Bacillaceae InfectionsGram-Positive Bacterial InfectionsBacterial InfectionsBacterial Infections and MycosesInfections

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Bacterial VaccinesVaccinesBiological ProductsComplex MixturesClinical Chemistry TestsClinical Laboratory TechniquesDiagnostic Techniques and ProceduresDiagnosisInvestigative TechniquesDiagnostic Techniques, Urological

Study Officials

  • Clay W. Mash, Ph.D.

    Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
phase 1
Purpose
TREATMENT
Sponsor Type
NIH

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

June 15, 2005

First Posted

June 16, 2005

Study Start

September 8, 2004

Study Completion

May 25, 2011

Last Updated

July 2, 2017

Record last verified: 2012-03-16

Locations