PepTcell Limited

FLU-v is a broad spectrum influenza vaccine that targets regions conserved among multiple influenza strains. FLU-v adjuvanted with Montanide ISA-51 was shown to be safe in previous trials. This study aims to assess efficacy of adjuvanted FLU-v vaccine in protecting healthy volunteers against an influenza challenge delivered intranasally under quarantine.
Efficacy of FLU-v will be assessed by measuring the incidence and severity of the disease in the treatment groups compared to the placebo group. In addition, the immune responses of the volunteers to FLU-v will also be explored.

FLU-v is a vaccine that aims to protect against a wide range of flu viruses. The purpose of this study is to measure the immune responses induced by FLU-v vaccine. This study will look at how safe FLU-v is when administered and how successful it is in preventing flu or reducing the severity of the flu symptoms.
The study requires 222 healthy volunteers 18-60 years old. Participation in the study will take a maximum of 7 months and consists of 5 visits. During visit 1, subjects will be examined by a doctor to make sure they are eligible to enter the study. A 15ml blood sample (a tablespoon) will be taken to check general health followed by a general physical exam. Medical history and some personal information will be collected. Subjects that have received the traditional flu vaccine in the past 6 months, and those females who are pregnant or breastfeeding will not be allowed in the study. Subjects of childbearing age must agree to use effective contraceptive methods.
At visit 2, subjects will be randomly allocated to one of the four treatment groups summarised below:
Treatment 1: FLU-v (test vaccine) at the start of the study (Day 0) and then again 21 days later
Treatment 2: FLU-v (test vaccine) with an additional substance added [known as Montanide ISA 51] which improves the effect of the test vaccine. Injection will be given on Day 0 and then Placebo (no test vaccine) alone 21 days later
Treatment 3: Placebo (no test vaccine) injection on Day 0 and then 21 days later
Treatment 4: Placebo (no test vaccine) with an additional substance added [known as Montanide ISA 51] on Day 0 and then Placebo (no test vaccine) alone 21 days later Treatment will be injected under the skin in the upper arm on day 0 (visit 2) and 21 days later (visit 3). Blood samples will be taken before treatment (day 0), and on days 42 (visit 4) and 180 (visit 5) to the immune responses induced by the vaccine.
Subjects will be asked to complete a diary card to write down any side effects that they may experience after vaccination. Subjects will also be asked to complete another diary card to document any flu-like symptoms experienced between December 2016 and March 2017, this time is officially considered as the flu season. During this period, if the subject experiences flu-like symptoms, a collection of a nose and tonsil swab will be arranged by the study site to confirm whether they have the flu or not.

The purpose of this research is to study the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of the investigational influenza vaccine in healthy volunteers infected with an attenuated influenza A virus.