Lipoprotein 2086 vaccine (Pfizer) shows promise in protecting against Meningococcal infection

New results show that Lipoprotein 2086, a new vaccine for serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis, from Pfizer, is safe and immunogenic in adolescents, the majority of whom generated bactericidal antibodies that were active against strains that represent 90% of invasive Meningococcus serogroup B strains circulating in the USA and Europe. This Phase II trial enrolled 539 healthy adolescents from 25 sites across Australia, Poland, and Spain to test the safety and immunogenicity (the ability to produce an immune response) of the Lipoprotein 2086 vaccine. Adolescents are at increased risk of meningococcal infection. Participants were randomly assigned to three doses (60 �g, 120 �g, or 200 �g of total protein) of vaccine or placebo at 0, 2, and 6 months. Immunogenicity was measured with serum bactericidal assays . The results showed that three doses produced an immune response, indicating protection, in 80% to 100% of adolescents. The vaccine was generally well tolerated and mild-to-moderate pain at the injection site was the most commonly reported side effect. See: "Safety, immunogenicity, and tolerability of meningococcal serogroup B bivalent recombinant lipoprotein 2086 vaccine in healthy adolescents: a randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial." by Dr Peter C Richmond et al. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Early Online Publication, 7 May 2012 DOI:10.1016/S1473-3099(12)70087-7.