Immunogenicity and safety of Havisure TM vaccine developed by Human Biologicals Institute in healthy subjects of 12 months to 49 years of age: A phase II/III, randomized, single blind, non-inferiority study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is transmitted mainly because of poor personal hygiene via the faecal/oral route through ingestion of contaminated food or water or through the direct contact with an infectious person. Though most of the infected individuals recover from the infection, a few may develop fatal fulminant hepatitis. In this randomized, multicenter study, immunogenicity and safety of Havisure™ vaccine of Human Biologicals Institute was compared with Havrix® vaccine.

METHODS: The study was carried out in 528 eligible healthy subjects, in two age groups across eight centres in India. Group A included subjects of 19-49 years and Group B subjects of 12 months to below 19 years of age. All subjects received two doses of either Havisure™ vaccine or Havrix® vaccine as per randomization at six months interval. Blood samples for antibody titre estimation were collected before vaccination and 4-6 weeks after 2nd dose of vaccination. Immunogenicity was assessed by estimating seroconversion rate, seroprotection rate, and geometric mean titres of antibodies. Safety was evaluated by collection and analysis of data on solicited and unsolicited adverse events.

RESULTS: Of 528 enrolled subjects, 493 subjects completed the study. There was 100% seroconversion and seroprotection in both the vaccine arms. There was no statistical difference in the geometric mean titres between the two vaccine arms. Pain and swelling at the site of injection were the most common local adverse events whereas fever and headache were the most common systemic adverse events observed in both vaccine arms. No serious adverse event was reported in the study.

CONCLUSION: The study results indicate that the Havisure™ vaccine is immunogenic and safe when administered to healthy subjects of 12 months to 49 years of age, and is non-inferior to Havrix® Vaccine.