PCV21 for Pneumonia Vaccine
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new pneumonia vaccine, PCV21, to determine its safety and effectiveness in helping the body produce antibodies (proteins that fight germs). The study compares different vaccination schedules using both the new PCV21 and an existing 20-valent vaccine to identify the most effective approach for infants. Healthy babies born full-term or slightly early with stable health conditions may qualify for this trial. Participants will receive vaccinations at approximately 2, 4, 6, and between 12 to 15 months, with the study lasting about 19 months. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to a potentially groundbreaking vaccine.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications. However, if you are on immunosuppressive therapy, long-term systemic corticosteroids, or anticoagulants, you may not be eligible to participate.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that PCV21, a vaccine designed to protect against 21 types of pneumococcal bacteria, is generally safe and well-tolerated. Several studies have demonstrated its good safety record. However, like many vaccines, it can sometimes cause side effects, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, fever, or irritability. Serious allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis, are rare but possible.
The FDA has approved the vaccine for use in adults to protect against serious pneumococcal infections, indicating it has passed strict safety checks. This approval offers reassurance about its safety, even as it undergoes testing in infants.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Unlike the standard pneumonia vaccines, which typically use the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (20vPCV), the new PCV21 vaccine includes an additional serotype, potentially offering broader protection against pneumonia. Researchers are excited about PCV21 because it targets more strains of the bacteria responsible for pneumonia, which could lead to better prevention outcomes. This expanded coverage is what sets PCV21 apart from existing vaccines, addressing gaps in protection and aiming to reduce the incidence of pneumonia more effectively.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for pneumonia?
Research has shown that the PCV21 vaccine could help prevent more diseases caused by certain bacteria not covered by other vaccines. This trial will evaluate different vaccination schedules involving PCV21. Studies indicate that adding PCV21 to the vaccination schedule may reduce cases of serious infections like pneumonia. One study found that using PCV21 prevented tens of thousands of cases and deaths from pneumococcal disease. This suggests that PCV21 might offer broader protection than the current 20-valent pneumococcal vaccine by covering more bacterial strains. Overall, the evidence supports PCV21 as a strong option in fighting pneumococcal diseases.16789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy infants aged approximately 2 months (42 to 89 days) at the time of inclusion. They must be deemed healthy by a medical evaluation, which includes their medical history and physical examination.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Vaccination
Participants receive a series of vaccinations with either PCV21 or 20vPCV at approximately 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the last vaccination, including monitoring for serious adverse events and adverse events of special interest
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- PCV21
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Sanofi
Lead Sponsor
Paul Hudson
Sanofi
Chief Executive Officer since 2019
Degree in Economics from Manchester Metropolitan University
Christopher Corsico
Sanofi
Chief Medical Officer
MD from Cornell University, MPH in Chronic Disease Epidemiology from Yale University