Influenza vaccine

Abstract

The present invention relates to monovalent influenza vaccine formulations and vaccination regimes for immunising against influenza disease, their use in medicine, in particular their use in augmenting immune responses to various antigens, and to methods of preparation. In particular, the invention relates to monovalent influenza immunogenic compositions comprising an influenza antigen or antigenic preparation thereof from an influenza virus strain being associated with a pandemic outbreak or having the potential to be associated with a pandemic outbreak, in combination with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant comprising a metabolisable oil, a sterol or a tocopherol such as alpha tocopherol, and an emulsifying agent.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to influenza vaccine formulations and vaccination regimes for immunising against influenza disease, their use in medicine, in particular their use in augmenting immune responses to various antigens, and to methods of preparation. In particular, the invention relates to monovalent influenza immunogenic compositions comprising an influenza antigen or antigenic preparation thereof from an influenza virus strain that is associated with a pandemic outbreak or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic outbreak, in combination with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Influenza viruses are one of the most ubiquitous viruses present in the world, affecting both humans and livestock. Influenza results in an economic burden, morbidity and even mortality, which are significant.

[0003] The influenza virus is an RNA enveloped virus with a particle size of about 125 nm in diameter. It consists basically of an internal nucleocapsid or core of ribonucleic acid (RNA) associated with nucleoprotein, surrounded by a viral envelope with a lipid bilayer structure and external glycoproteins. The inner layer of the viral envelope is composed predominantly of matrix proteins and the outer layer mostly of host-derived lipid material. Influenza virus comprises two surface antigens, glycoproteins neuraminidase (NA) and haemagglutinin (HA), which appear as spikes, 10 to 12 nm long, at the surface of the particles. It is these surface proteins, particularly the haemagglutinin that determine the antigenic specificity of the influenza subtypes. Virus strains are classified according to host species of origin, geographic site and year of isolation, serial number, and, for influenza A, by serological properties of subtypes of HA and NA. 16 HA subtypes (H1-H16) and nine NA subtypes (N1-N9) have been identified for influenza A viruses [Webster R G et al. Evolution and ecology of influenza A viruses. Microbiol. Rev. 1992; 56:152-179; Fouchier RA et al. Characterization of a Novel Influenza A Virus Hemagglutinin Subtype (H16) Obtained from Black-Headed Gulls. J. Virol. 2005; 79:2814-2822). Viruses of all HA and NA subtypes have been recovered from aquatic birds, but only three HA subtypes (H1, H2, and H3) and two NA subtypes (N1 and N2) have established stable lineages in the human population since 1918. Only one subtype of HA and one of NA are recognised for influenza B viruses.

[0004] Influenza A viruses evolve and undergo antigenic variability continuously [Wiley D, Skehel J. The structure and the function of the hemagglutinin membrane glycoprotein of influenza virus. Ann. Rev. Biochem. 1987; 56:365-394]. A lack of effective proofreading by the viral RNA polymerase leads to a high rate of transcription errors that can result in amino-acid substitutions in surface glycoproteins. This is termed "antigenic drift". The segmented viral genome allows for a second type of antigenic variation. If two influenza viruses simultaneously infect a host cell, genetic reassortment, called "antigenic shift" may generate a novel virus with new surface or internal proteins. These antigenic changes, both `drifts` and `shifts` are unpredictable and may have a dramatic impact from an immunological point of view as they eventually lead to the emergence of new influenza strains and that enable the virus to escape the immune system causing the well known, almost annual, epidemics. Both of these genetic modifications have caused new viral variants responsible for pandemic in humans.

[0005] HA is the most important antigen in defining the serological specificity of the different influenza strains. This 75-80 kD protein contains numerous antigenic determinants, several of which are in regions that undergo sequence changes in different strains (strain-specific determinants) and others in regions which are common to many HA molecules (common to determinants).

[0006] Influenza viruses cause epidemics almost every winter, with infection rates for type A or B virus as high as 40% over a six-week period. Influenza infection results in various disease states, from a sub-clinical infection through mild upper respiratory infection to a severe viral pneumonia. Typical influenza epidemics cause increases in incidence of pneumonia and lower respiratory disease as witnessed by increased rates of hospitalization or mortality. The severity of the disease is primarily determined by the age of the host, his immune status and the site of infection.

[0007] Elderly people, 65 years old and over, are especially vulnerable, accounting for 80-90% of all influenza-related deaths in developed countries. Individuals with underlying chronic diseases are also most likely to experience such complications. Young infants also may suffer severe disease. These groups in particular therefore need to be protected. Besides these `at risk`-groups, the health authorities are also recommending to vaccinate healthy adults who are in contact with elderly persons.

[0008] Vaccination plays a critical role in controlling annual influenza epidemics. Currently available influenza vaccines are either inactivated or live attenuated influenza vaccine. Inactivated flu vaccines are composed of three possible forms of antigen preparation: inactivated whole virus, sub-virions where purified virus particles are disrupted with detergents or other reagents to solubilise the lipid envelope (so-called "split" vaccine) or purified HA and NA (subunit vaccine). These inactivated vaccines are given intramuscularly (i.m.) or intranasaly (i.n.).

[0009] Influenza vaccines for interpandemic use, of all kinds, are usually trivalent vaccines. They generally contain antigens derived from two influenza A virus strains and one influenza B strain. A standard 0.5 ml injectable dose in most cases contains 15 .mu.g of haemagglutinin antigen component from each strain, as measured by single radial immunodiffusion (SRD) (J. M. Wood et al.: An improved single radial immunodiffusion technique for the assay of influenza haemagglutinin antigen: adaptation for potency determination of inactivated whole virus and subunit vaccines. J. Biol. Stand. 5 (1977) 237-247; J. M. Wood et al., International collaborative study of single radial diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis techniques for the assay of haemagglutinin antigen of influenza virus. J. Biol. Stand. 9 (1981) 317-330).

[0010] Interpandemic influenza virus strains to be incorporated into influenza vaccine each season are determined by the World Health Organisation in collaboration with national health authorities and vaccine manufacturers. Interpandemic Influenza vaccines currently available are considered safe in all age groups (De Donato et al. 1999, Vaccine, 17, 3094-3101). However, there is little evidence that current influenza vaccines work in small children under two years of age. Furthermore, reported rates of vaccine efficacy for prevention of typical confirmed influenza illness are 23-72% for the elderly, which are significantly lower than the 60-90% efficacy rates reported for younger adults (Govaert, 1994, J. Am. Med. Assoc., 21, 166-1665; Gross, 1995, Ann Intern. Med. 123, 523-527). The effectiveness of an influenza vaccine has been shown to correlate with serum titres of hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies to the viral strain, and several studies have found that older adults exhibit lower HI titres after influenza immunisation than do younger adults (Murasko, 2002, Experimental gerontology, 37, 427-439). However, persons at risk in case of an influenza pandemic may be different from the defined risk-groups for complications due to seasonal influenza. According to the WHO, 50% of the human cases cuased by the avian influenza strain H5N1 occurred in people below 20 years of age, 90% occurred among those aged <40. (WHO, weekly epidemiological record, 30 June 2006)

[0011] A sub-unit influenza vaccine adjuvanted with the adjuvant MF59, in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion is commercially available, and has demonstrated its ability to induce a higher antibody titer than that obtained with the non-adjuvanted sub-unit vaccine (De Donato et al. 1999, Vaccine, 17, 3094-3101). However, in a later publication, the same vaccine has not demonstrated its improved profile compared to a non-adjuvanted split vaccine (Puig-Barbera et al., 2004, Vaccine 23, 283-289).

[0012] By way of background, during inter-pandemic periods, influenza viruses circulate that are related to those from the preceding epidemic. The viruses spread among people with varying levels of immunity from infections earlier in life. Such circulation, over a period of usually 2-3 years, promotes the selection of new strains that have changed enough to cause an epidemic again among the general population; this process is termed `antigenic drift`. `Drift variants` may have different impacts in different communities, regions, countries or continents in any one year, although over several years their overall impact is often similar. In other words, an influenza pandemics occurs when a new influenza virus appears against which the human population has no immunity. Typical influenza epidemics cause increases in incidence of pneumonia and lower respiratory disease as witnessed by increased rates of hospitalisation or mortality. The elderly or those with underlying chronic diseases are most likely to experience such complications, but young infants also may suffer severe disease.

[0013] At unpredictable intervals, novel influenza viruses emerge with a key surface antigen, the haemagglutinin, of a totally different subtype from strains circulating the season before. Here, the resulting antigens can vary from 20% to 50% from the corresponding protein of strains that were previously circulating in humans. This can result in virus escaping `herd immunity` and establishing pandemics. This phenomenon is called `antigenic shift`. It is thought that at least in the past pandemics have occurred when an influenza virus from a different species, such as an avian or a porcine influenza virus, has crossed the species barrier. If such viruses have the potential to spread from person to person, they may spread worldwide within a few months to a year, resulting in a pandemic. For example, in 1957 (Asian Flu pandemic), viruses of the H2N2 subtype replaced H1 N1 viruses that had been circulating in the human population since at least 1918 when the virus was first isolated. The H2 HA and N2 NA underwent antigenic drift between 1957 and 1968 until the HA was replaced in 1968 (Hong-Kong Flu pandemic) by the emergence of the H3N2 influenza subtype, after which the N2 NA continued to drift along with the H3 HA (Nakajima et al., 1991, Epidemiol. Infect. 106, 383-395).

[0014] The features of an influenza virus strain that give it the potential to cause a pandemic outbreak are: it contains a new haemagglutinin compared to the haemagglutinin in the currently circulating strains, which may or not be accompanied by a change in neuraminidase subtype; it is capable of being transmitted horizontally in the human population; and it is pathogenic for humans. A new haemagglutinin may be one which has not been evident in the human population for an extended period of time, probably a number of decades, such as H2. Or it may be a haemagglutinin that has not been circulating in the human population before, for example H5, H9, H7 or H6 which are found in birds. In either case the majority, or at least a large proportion of, or even the entire population has not previously encountered the antigen and is immunologically naive to it.

[0015] Several clinical studies have been performed to evaluate safety and immunogenicity in unprimed populations, with monovalent candidate vaccines containing a pandemic strain such as the non-circulating H2N2 or H9N2 strains. These studies have investigated split or whole virus formulations of various HA concentrations (1.9, 3.8, 3.8, 7.5 or 15 .mu.g HA per dose), with or without alum adjuvantation. Influenza viruses of the H2N2 subtype circulated from 1957 until 1968 when they were replaced by H3N2 strains during the `Hong Kong pandemic`. Today, individuals that were born after 1968 are immunologically naive to H2N2 strains. These vaccine candidates have been shown to be immunogenic and well tolerated. Results are reported in Hehme, N et al. 2002, Med. Microbiol. Immunol. 191, 203-208; in Hehme N. et al. 2004, Virus Research 103, 163-171; and two studies were reported with H5N1 (Bresson J L et al. The Lancet. 2006:367 (9523):1657-1664; Treanor J J et al. N Engl J Med. 2006; 354:1343-1351).

[0016] During a pandemic, antiviral drugs may not be sufficient to cover needs and the number of individuals at risk of influenza will be greater than in interpandemic periods, therefore the development of a suitable vaccine with the potential to be produced in large amounts and with efficient distribution and administration potential is essential. For these reasons, monovalent instead of trivalent vaccines are being developed for pandemic purposes in an attempt to reduce vaccine volume, primarily as two doses of vaccine may be necessary in order to achieve protective antibody levels in immunologically naive recipients (Wood J M et al. Med Mircobiol Immunol. 2002; 191:197-201. Wood J M et al. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2001 ;356:1953-1960).

[0017] This problem may be countered by adjuvantation, the aim of which is to increase immunogenicity of the vaccine in order to decrease the antigen content (antigen sparing). In addition, the use of an adjuvant may overcome the potential weak immunogenicity of the antigen in a naive population. Clinical trials with plain subvirion H5N1 vaccine or aluminium hydroxide adjuvanted split virus H5N1 vaccine have already been performed. The results of these trials indicate that both plain and adjuvanted H5N1 virus vaccines are safe up to an antigen dose of 90 pg (tested only as plain subvirion vaccine) (Bresson J L et al. The Lancet. 2006:367 (9523):1657-1664; Treanor J J et al. N Engl J Med. 2006; 354:1343-1351.)

[0018] New vaccines with an improved immunogenicity, in particular against weakly or non-immunogenic pandemic strains or for the immuno-compromised individuals such as elderly population, are therefore still needed. Formulation of vaccine antigen with potent adjuvants is a possible approach for enhancing immune responses to subvirion antigens. Novel adjuvant formulations are hereby provided which allow a antigen sparing formulation affording sufficient protection (seroconversion of previously seronegative subjects to a HI titer considered as protective, 1.sub.--40 or fourfold increase in titer) of all age groups.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an influenza immunogenic composition, in particular a vaccine, comprising a low amount of influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation from an influenza virus strain that is associated with a pandemic or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic, in combination with an adjuvant, wherein the low antigen amount does not exceed 15 .mu.g of haemagglutinin (HA) per dose, and wherein said adjuvant is an oil-in-water emulsion comprising a metabolisable oil, a sterol or a tocopherol, such as alpha tocopherol, and an emulsifying agent. Suitably the vaccine composition is a monovalent composition.

[0020] Throughout the document it will be referred to a pandemic strain as an influenza strain being associated or susceptible to be associated with an outbreak of influenza disease, such as a pandemic Influenza A strains. Suitable pandemic strains are, but not limited to: H5N1, H9N2, H7N7, H2N2 and H1N1. Others suitable pandemic strains in human are H7N3 (2 cases reported in Canada), H10N7 (2 cases reported in Egypt) and H5N2 (1 case reported in Japan).

[0021] In another aspect the invention provides a method for the production of an influenza immunogenic composition, in particular a vaccine, for a pandemic situation or a pre-pandemic situation which method comprises admixing an influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation thereof from a single influenza virus strain that is associated with a pandemic or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic, with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant as herein above defined, and providing vaccine units which contain no more than 15 .mu.g influenza haemagglutinin antigen per dose. Suitably the influenza virus antigen is egg-derived or cell culture-derived.

[0022] In a third aspect there is provided an immunogenic composition as herein defined for use in medicine.

[0023] In another aspect there is provided the use of (a) a low amount, as herein defined, of influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation thereof from a single strain of influenza associated with a pandemic or having the potential to be associated with a pandemic, and (b) an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant, in the manufacture of an immunogenic composition, or a kit, for inducing at least one of i) an improved CD4 T-cell immune response, ii) an improved B cell memory response, iii) an improved humoral response, against said virus antigen or antigenic composition in a human. Said immune response is in particular induced in an immuno-compromised individual or population, such as a high risk adult or an elderly. Suitably the immunogenic composition is as herein defined.

[0024] There is also provided the use of an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof and an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant in the preparation of an immunogenic composition as herein defined for vaccination of human elderly against influenza.

[0025] In a specific embodiment, the immunogenic composition is capable of inducing both an improved CD4 T-cell immune response and an improved B-memory cell response compared to that obtained with the un-adjuvanted antigen or antigenic composition. In another specific embodiment, the immunogenic composition is capable of inducing both an improved CD4 T-cell immune response and an improved humoral response compared to that obtained with the un-adjuvanted antigen or antigenic composition. In particular, said humoral immune response or protection meets all three EU regulatory criteria for influenza vaccine efficacy. Suitably, said immune response(s) or protection is obtained after one, suitably two, doses of vaccine. Efficacy criteria for the composition according to the present invention are further detailed below (see Table 1 and below under "efficacy criteria"). Suitably said composition is administered parenterally, in particular via the intramuscular or the sub-cutaneous route.

[0026] In a further embodiment, there is provided the use of a low amount of an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof in the manufacture of an immunogenic composition for revaccination of humans previously vaccinated with a monovalent influenza immunogenic composition comprising an influenza antigen or antigenic preparation thereof from a single influenza virus strain which is associated with a pandemic or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic, in combination with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant as herein defined.

[0027] In a specific embodiment, the composition used for the revaccination may be un-adjuvanted or may contain an adjuvant, in particular an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant. In another specific embodiment, the immunogenic composition for revaccination contains an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof which shares common CD4 T-cell epitopes with the influenza virus or virus antigenic preparation thereof used for the first vaccination. The immunogenic composition for a revaccination may contain a classical amount (i.e. about 15 pg of HA) of said variant pandemic strain.

[0028] Preferably the revaccination is made in subjects who have been vaccinated the previous season against influenza. Typically revaccination is made at least 6 months after the first vaccination, preferably 8 to 14 months after, more preferably at around 10 to 12 months after or even longer.

[0029] Suitably said oil-in-water emulsion comprises a metabolisable oil, a tocopherol, such as alpha tocopherol, and an emulsifying agent. In a another specific embodiment, said oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant comprises at least one metabolisable oil in an amount of 0.5% to 20% of the total volume, and has oil droplets of which at least 70% by intensity have diameters of less than 1 .mu.m. Suitably said a tocopherol, such as alpha tocopherol, is present in an amount of 1.0% to 20%, in particular in an amount of 1.0% to 5% of the total volume of said immunogenic composition.

[0030] In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of an antigen or antigenic preparation from a first pandemic influenza strain in the manufacture of an immunogenic composition as herein defined for protection against influenza infections caused by a variant influenza strain.

[0031] In a specific aspect, there is provided a method of vaccination of an immuno-compromised human individual or population such as high risk adults or elderly, said method comprising administering to said individual or population an influenza immunogenic composition comprising a low amount of an influenza antigen or antigenic preparation thereof from a single pandemic influenza virus strain in combination with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant as herein defined.

[0032] In still another embodiment, the invention provides a method for revaccinating humans previously vaccinated with a monovalent influenza immunogenic composition comprising an influenza antigen or antigenic preparation thereof from a single pandemic influenza virus strain, in combination with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant, said method comprising administering to said human an immunogenic composition comprising an influenza virus, either adjuvanted or un-adjuvanted.

[0033] In a further embodiment there is provided a method for vaccinating a human population or individual against one pandemic influenza virus strain followed by revaccination of said human or population against a variant influenza virus strain, said method comprising administering to said human (i) a first composition comprising an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof from a first pandemic influenza virus strain and an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant, and (ii) a second immunogenic composition comprising a influenza virus strain variant of said first influenza virus strain. In a specific embodiment said variant strain is associated with a pandemic or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic. In another specific embodiment said variant strain is part of a multivalent composition which comprises, in addition to said pandemic influenza virus variant, at least one circulating (seasonal) influenza virus strain. In particular, said pandemic influenza virus strain is part of a bivalent, or a trivalent, or tetravalent composition additionally comprising one, two or three seasonal strains, respectively.

[0034] Throughout the document, the use of a low amount of pandemic influenza virus antigen in the manufacture of a composition as herein defined for prevention of influenza infection or disease, and a method of treatment of humans using the claimed composition will be interchangeably used.

[0035] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention are described further in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof.

LEGEND TO FIGURES

[0036] FIG. 1: Oil droplet particle size distribution in SB62 oil-in-water emulsion as measured by PCS. FIG. 1 A shows SB62 lot 1023 size measurements with the Malvern Zetasizer 3000HS: A=dilution 1/10000 (Rec22 to Rec24) (Analysis in Contin and adapted optical model 1.5/0.01); B=Dilution 1/20000 (Rec28 to Rec30) (Analysis in Contin and adapted optical model 1.5/0.01). FIG. 1B shows a schematic illustration of record 22 (upper part) and record 23 (lower part) by intensity.

[0037] FIG. 2: Overview of the manufacture of influenza monovalent bulks.

[0038] FIG. 3: Formulation flow sheet for final bulk of antigen

[0039] FIG. 4: Human clinical trial with a dose-range of H5N1 split virus antigen, adjuvanted or not with AS03. GMT's (with 95%CI) for anti-HA antibody at time-points days 0, 21 and 42.

[0040] FIG. 5: Human clinical trial with a dose-range of H5N1 split virus antigen, adjuvanted or not with AS03. Seroconversion rates (with 95% Cl) for anti-HA antibody at post-vaccination day 21 and day 42.

[0041] FIG. 6: Human clinical trial with a dose-range of H5N1 split virus antigen, adjuvanted or not with AS03. Seroprotection rates (with 95% Cl) for anti-HA antibody at each time-points (Day 0, Day 21 and (Day 42).

[0042] FIG. 7: Human clinical trial with a dose-range of H5N1 split virus antigen, adjuvanted or not with AS03. Seroconversion factor (with 95% Cl) for anti-HA antibody at post-vaccination (day 21 and 42)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present inventors have discovered that an influenza formulation comprising low amount of an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof associated with a pandemic or susceptible to be associated with a pandemic, together with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant comprising a metabolisable oil, a sterol or a tocopherol, such as alpha tocopherol, and an emulsifying agent, was capable of improving the humoral immune response, and/or the CD4 T-cell immune response and/or B cell memory response against said antigen or antigenic composition in a human or population, compared to that obtained with the un-adjuvanted virus or antigenic preparation thereof. The formulations adjuvanted with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant as herein defined will advantageously be used to induce anti-influenza CD4-T cell response capable of detection of influenza epitopes presented by MHC class 11 molecules. The formulations adjuvanted with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant as herein defined will advantageously be used to induce a cross-reactive immune response. The adjuvanted formulations will advantageously be effective to target the humoral and/or the cell-mediated immune system in order to increase responsiveness against homologous and drift influenza strains (upon vaccination and infection).

[0044] The adjuvanted influenza compositions according to the invention have several advantages: [0045] 1) An improved immunogenicity: they will allow to improve weak immune response to less immunogenic influenza strains to level higher than those obtained with the un-adjuvanted formulations; [0046] 2) The use of adjuvants can overcome the potential weak immunogenicity of the antigen in a naive population; [0047] 3) They may lead to an improved immunogenicity in specific populations such as in the elderly people (typically over 60 years of age) to levels seen in younger people aged 18 to 60 (antibody and/or T cell responses); [0048] 4) They may lead to an improved cross-protection profile: increased cross-protection against variant (drifted) influenza strains; [0049] 5) By reaching any or all of these further advantages with a reduced antigen dosage, they will ensure an increased capacity in case of emergency (antigen sparing in the pandemic situation).

[0050] The compositions for use in the present invention may be able to provide better sero-protection against influenza following revaccination, as assessed by the number of human subjects meeting the influenza correlates of protections. Furthermore, the composition for use in the present invention may also be able to induce a higher humoral response or B cell memory response following the first vaccination of a human subject, and a higher response following revaccination, compared to the un-adjuvanted composition.

[0051] The claimed adjuvanted compositions may also be able not only to induce but also maintain protective levels of antibodies against the influenza strain present in the vaccine, in more individuals than those obtained with the un-advanted composition.

[0052] Thus, in still another embodiment, the claimed composition is capable of ensuring a persistent immune response against influenza related disease. In particular, by persistence it is meant an HI antibody immune response which is capable of meeting regulatory criteria after at least three months, preferably after at least 6 months after the vaccination. In particular, the claimed composition is able to induce protective levels of antibodies in >70% of individuals, suitably in >80% of individuals or suitably in >90% of individuals for the pandemic influenza strain present in the vaccine, after at least three months. In a specific aspect, protective levels of antibodies of >90% are obtained at least 6 months post-vaccination against the influenza strain of the vaccine composition.

[0053] According to further aspects of the present invention, the claimed composition is capable to induce seroprotection and seroconversion to a higher degree than that provided for by the EU requirements for vaccine influenza strains. This will be further detailed below (see Table 1 and below under "efficacy criteria").

Influenza Viral Strains and Antigens

[0054] In one embodiment, an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof for use according to the present invention may be a split influenza virus or split virus antigenic preparation thereof. In an alternative embodiment the influenza preparation may contain another type of inactivated influenza antigen, such as inactivated whole virus or purified HA and NA (subunit vaccine), or an influenza virosome. In a still further embodiment, the influenza virus may be a live attenuated influenza preparation.

[0055] A split influenza virus or split virus antigenic preparation thereof for use according to the present invention is suitably an inactivated virus preparation where virus particles are disrupted with detergents or other reagents to solubilise the lipid envelope. Split virus or split virus antigenic preparations thereof are suitably prepared by fragmentation of whole influenza virus, either infectious or inactivated, with solubilising concentrations of organic solvents or detergents and subsequent removal of all or the majority of the solubilising agent and some or most of the viral lipid material. By split virus antigenic preparation thereof is meant a split virus preparation which may have undergone some degree of purification compared to the split virus whilst retaining most of the antigenic properties of the split virus components. For example, when produced in eggs, the split virus may be depleted from egg-contaminating proteins, or when produced in cell culture, the split virus may be depleted from host cell contaminants. A split virus antigenic preparation may comprise split virus antigenic components of more than one viral strain. Vaccines containing split virus (called `influenza split vaccine`) or split virus antigenic preparations generally contain residual matrix protein and nucleoprotein and sometimes lipid, as well as the membrane envelope proteins. Such split virus vaccines will usually contain most or all of the virus structural proteins although not necessarily in the same proportions as they occur in the whole virus.

[0056] Alternatively, the influenza virus may be in the form of a whole virus vaccine. This may prove to be an advantage over a split virus vaccine for a pandemic situation as it avoids the uncertainty over whether a split virus vaccine can be successfully produced for a new strain of influenza virus. For some strains the conventional detergents used for producing the split virus can damage the virus and render it unusable. Although there is always the possibility to use different detergents and/or to develop a different process for producing a split vaccine, this would take time, which may not be available in a pandemic situation. In addition to the greater degree of certainty with a whole virus approach, there is also a greater vaccine production capacity than for split virus since considerable amounts of antigen are lost during additional purification steps necessary for preparing a suitable split vaccine.

[0057] In another embodiment, the influenza virus preparation is in the form of a purified sub-unit influenza vaccine. Sub-unit influenza vaccines generally contain the two major envelope proteins, HA and NA, and may have an additional advantage over whole virion vaccines as they are generally less reactogenic, particularly in young vaccinees. Sub-unit vaccines can produced either recombinantly or purified from disrupted viral particles.

[0058] In another embodiment, the influenza virus preparation is in the form of a virosome. Virosomes are spherical, unilamellar vesicles which retain the functional viral envelope glycoproteins HA and NA in authentic conformation, intercalated in the virosomes' phospholipids bilayer membrane.

[0059] Said influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof may be egg-derived or tissue-culture derived. They may also be produced in other systems such as insect cells, yeast or bacteria.

[0060] For example, the influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparations thereof according to the invention may be derived from the conventional embryonated egg method, by growing influenza virus in eggs and purifying the harvested allaritoic fluid. Eggs can be accumulated in large numbers at short notice. Alternatively, they may be derived from any of the new generation methods using tissue culture to grow the virus or express recombinant influenza virus surface antigens. Suitable cell substrates for growing the virus include for example dog kidney cells such as MDCK or cells from a clone of MDCK, MDCK-like cells, monkey kidney cells such as AGMK cells including Vero cells, suitable pig cell lines, or any other mammalian cell type suitable for the production of influenza virus for vaccine purposes. Suitable cell substrates also include human cells e.g. MRC-5 cells. Suitable cell substrates are not limited to cell lines; for example primary cells such as chicken embryo fibroblasts and avian cell lines are also included.

[0061] The influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation thereof may be produced by any of a number of commercially applicable processes, for example the split flu process described in patent no. DD 300 833 and DD 211 444, incorporated herein by reference. Traditionally split flu was produced using a solvent/detergent treatment, such as tri-n-butyl phosphate, or diethylether in combination with Tween.TM. (known as "Tween-ether" splitting) and this process is still used in some production facilities. Other splitting agents now employed include detergents or proteolytic enzymes or bile salts, for example sodium deoxycholate as described in patent no. DD 155 875, incorporated herein by reference. Detergents that can be used as splitting agents include cationic detergents e.g. cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), other ionic detergents e.g. laurylsulfate, taurodeoxycholate, or non-ionic detergents such as the ones described above including Triton X-100 (for example in a process described in Lina et al, 2000, Biologicals 28, 95-103) and Triton N-101, or combinations of any two or more detergents.

[0062] The preparation process for a split vaccine may include a number of different filtration and/or other separation steps such as ultracentrifugation, ultrafiltration, zonal centrifugation and chromatography (e.g. ion exchange) steps in a variety of combinations, and optionally an inactivation step eg with heat, formaldehyde or .beta.-propiolactone or U.V. which may be carried out before or after splitting. The splitting process may be carried out as a batch, continuous or semi-continuous process. A preferred splitting and purification process for a split immunogenic composition is described in WO 02/097072.

[0063] Preferred split flu vaccine antigen preparations according to the invention comprise a residual amount of Tween 80 and/or Triton X-100 remaining from the production process, although these may be added or their concentrations adjusted after preparation of the split antigen. Preferably both Tween 80 and Triton X-100 are present. The preferred ranges for the final concentrations of these non-ionic surfactants in the vaccine dose are: [0064] Tween 80: 0.01 to 1%, more preferably about 0.1% (v/v) [0065] Triton X-100: 0.001 to 0.1 (% w/v), more preferably 0.005 to 0.02% (w/v).

[0066] In a specific embodiment, the final concentration for Tween 80 ranges from 0.045%-0.09% w/v. In another specific embodiment, the antigen is provided as a 2 fold concentrated mixture, which has a Tween 80 concentration ranging from 0.045%-0.2% (w/v) and has to be diluted two times upon final formulation with the adjuvanted (or the buffer in the control formulation).

[0067] In another specific embodiment, the final concentration for Triton X-100 ranges from 0.005%-0.017% w/v. In another specific embodiment, the antigen is provided as a 2 fold concentrated mixture, which has a Triton X-100 concentration ranging from 0.005%-0.034% (w/v) and has to be diluted two times upon final formulation with the adjuvanted (or the buffer in the control formulation).

[0068] Preferably the influenza preparation is prepared in the presence of low level of thiomersal, or preferably in the absence of thiomersal. Preferably the resulting influenza preparation is stable in the absence of organomercurial preservatives, in particular the preparation contains no residual thiomersal. In particular the influenza virus preparation comprises a haemagglutinin antigen stabilised in the absence of thiomersal, or at low levels of thiomersal (generally 5 .mu.g/ml or less). Specifically the stabilization of B influenza strain is performed by a derivative of alpha tocopherol, such as alpha tocopherol succinate (also known as vitamin E succinate, i.e. VES). Such preparations and methods to prepare them are disclosed in WO 02/097072.

[0069] Alternatively, especially for multi dose containers, thiomersal is present in order to reduce the contamination risks. This is particularly of relevance for pandemic vaccines, designed to vaccinate as many people as possible in the shortest possible time.

[0070] A preferred composition for re-vaccination contains three inactivated split virion antigens prepared from the WHO recommended strains of the appropriate influenza season, in addition to a pandemic influenza strain.

[0071] In one embodiment the influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof and the oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant are contained in the same container. It is referred to as `one vial approach`. Suitably the vial is a pre-filled syringe. In an alternative embodiment, the influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof and the oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant are contained in separate containers or vials or units and admixed shortly before or upon administration into the subject. It is referred to as `two vials approach`. By way of example, when the vaccine is a 2 components vaccine for a total dose volume of 0.7 ml, the concentrated antigens (for example the concentrated inactivated split virion antigens) may be presented in one vial (335 .mu.l) (antigen container) and a pre-filled syringe contains the adjuvant (360 .mu.l) (adjuvant container). At the time of injection, the content of the vial containing the concentrated inactivated split virion antigens is removed from the vial by using the syringe containing the adjuvant followed by gentle mixing of the syringe. Prior to injection, the used needle is replaced by an intramuscular needle and the volume is corrected to 530 .mu.l. One dose of the reconstituted adjuvanted influenza vaccine candidate corresponds to 530 .mu.l.

[0072] Suitably the AS03-adjuvanted pandemic influenza candidate vaccine is a 2 component vaccine consisting of 0.5 ml of concentrated inactivated split virion antigens presented in a type I glass vial and of a pre-filled type I glass syringe containing 0.5 ml of the AS03 adjuvant. At the time of injection, the content of the prefilled syringe containing the adjuvant is injected into the vial that contains the concentrated trivalent inactivated split vrion antigens. After mixing the content is withdrawn into the syringe and the needle is replaced by an intramuscular needle. One dose of the reconstituted the AS03-adjuvanted influenza candidate vaccine corresponds to 0.5 ml. Each vaccine dose of 0.5 ml contains 3.8 .mu.g, 7.5 .mu.g, 15.mu. or 30 .mu.g haemagglutinin (HA) or any suitable amount of HA which would have be determined such that the vaccine composition meets the efficcacy criteria as defined herein. A vaccine dose of 1 ml (0.5 ml adjuvant plus 0.5 ml antigen preparation) is also suitable.

[0073] According to the present invention, the influenza strain in the monovalent immunogenic composition as herein defined is associated with a pandemic or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic. Such strain may also be referred to as `pandemic strains` in the text below. In particular, when the vaccine is a multivalent vaccine for re-vaccination, such as a bivalent, or a trivalent or a quadrivalent vaccine, at least one strain is associated with a pandemic or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic. [0074] Suitable pandemic strains [0075] Suitable pandemic strains [0076] Suitable pandemic strains are, but not limited to: H5N1, H9N2, H7N7, H2N2 and H1N1. [0077] Others pandemic strains in human: H7N3 (2 cases reported in Canada), H10N7 (2 cases reported in Egypt) and H5N2 (1 case reported in Japan). are, but not limited to: H5N1, H9N2, H7N7, H2N2 and H1N1.

[0078] Said influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof for re-vaccination is suitably multivalent such as bivalent or trivalent or quadrivalent or contain even more influenza strains. Preferably the influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof for re-vaccination is trivalent or quadrivalent, having an antigen from three different influenza strains, at least one strain being associated with a pandemic outbreak or having the potential to be associated with a pandemic outbreak. Suitably the re-vaccination composition comprises a pandemic strain, which may be a variant of the pandemic strain present in the composition for the first vaccination, and three other strains, typically the classical circulating strains.

[0079] The features of an influenza virus strain that give it the potential to cause a pandemic or an outbreak of influenza disease associated with pandemic influenza strains are: it contains a new haemagglutinin compared to the haemagglutinin in the currently circulating strains; it is capable of being transmitted horizontally in the human population; and it is pathogenic for humans. A new haemagglutinin may be one which has not been evident in the human population for an extended period of time, probably a number of decades, such as H2. Or it may be a haemagglutinin that has not been circulating in the human population before, for example H5, H9, H7 or H6 which are found in birds. In either case the majority, or at least a large proportion of, or even the entire population has not previously encountered the antigen and is immunologically naive to it. At present, the influenza A virus that has been identified by the WHO as one that potentially could reassort with human viruses and cause a pandemic in humans is the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. Therefore, the pandemic vaccine according to the invention will suitably comprise H5N1 virus.

[0080] Certain parties are generally at an increased risk of becoming infected with influenza in a pandemic situation. The elderly, the chronically ill and small children are particularly susceptible but many young and apparently healthy people are also at risk. For H2 influenza, the part of the population born after 1968 is at an increased risk. It is important for these groups to be protected effectively as soon as possible and in a simple way.

[0081] Another group of people who are at increased risk are travelers. People travel more today than ever before and the regions where most new viruses emerge, China and South East Asia, have become popular travel destinations in recent years. This change in travel patterns enables new viruses to reach around the globe in a matter of weeks rather than months or years.

[0082] Thus for these groups of people there is a particular need for vaccination to protect against influenza in a pandemic situation or a potential pandemic situation. Suitable pandemic strains [0083] Suitable pandemic strains [0084] Suitable pandemic strains are, but not limited to: H5N1, H9N2, H7N7, H2N2 and H1N1. [0085] Others pandemic strains in human: H7N3 (2 cases reported in Canada), H10N7 (2 cases reported in Egypt) and H5N2 (1 case reported in Japan). [0086] which have caused or could potential cause a pandemic are, but not limited to: H5N1, H9N2, H7N7, H2N2 and H1N1. Oil-in-water Emulsion Adjuvant

[0087] The adjuvant composition of the invention contains an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant, preferably said emulsion comprises a metabolisable oil in an amount of 0.5% to 20% of the total volume, and having oil droplets of which at least 70% by intensity have diameters of less than 1 .mu.m.

[0088] In order for any oil in water composition to be suitable for human administration, the oil phase of the emulsion system has to comprise a metabolisable oil. The meaning of the term metabolisable oil is well known in the art. Metabolisable can be defined as `being capable of being transformed by metabolism` (Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, W. B. Sanders Company, 25th edition (1974)). The oil may be any vegetable oil, fish oil, animal oil or synthetic oil, which is not toxic to the recipient and is capable of being transformed by metabolism. Nuts, seeds, and grains are common sources of vegetable oils. Synthetic oils are also part of this invention and can include commercially available oils such as NEOBEE.RTM. and others. A particularly suitable metabolisable oil is squalene. Squalene (2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyl-2,6,10,14,18,22-tetracosahexaene) is an unsaturated oil which is found in large quantities in shark-liver oil, and in lower quantities in olive oil, wheat germ oil, rice bran oil, and yeast, and is a particularly preferred oil for use in this invention. Squalene is a metabolisable oil by virtue of the fact that it is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of cholesterol (Merck index, 10 th Edition, entry no.8619).

[0089] Oil in water emulsions per se are well known in the art, and have been suggested to be useful as adjuvant compositions (EP 399843; WO 95/17210).

[0090] Suitably the metabolisable oil is present in an amount of 0.5% to 20% (final concentration) of the total volume of the immunogenic composition, preferably an amount of 1.0% to 10% of the total volume, preferably in an amount of 2.0% to 6.0% of the total volume.

[0091] In a specific embodiment, the metabolisable oil is present in a final amount of about 0.5%, 1%, 3.5% or 5% of the total volume of the immunogenic composition. In another specific embodiment, the metabolisable oil is present in a final amount of 0.5%,1%, 3.57% or 5% of the total volume of the immunogenic composition. A suitable amount of squalene is about 10.7 mg per vaccine dose, suitably from 10.4 to 11.0 mg per vaccine dose.

[0092] Preferably the oil-in-water emulsion systems of the present invention have a small oil droplet size in the sub-micron range. Suitably the droplet sizes will be in the range 120 to 750 nm, more preferably sizes from 120 to 600 nm in diameter. Most preferably the oil-in water emulsion contains oil droplets of which at least 70% by intensity are less than 500 nm in diameter, more preferably at least 80% by intensity are less than 300 nm in diameter, more preferably at least 90% by intensity are in the range of 120 to 200 nm in diameter.

[0093] The oil droplet size, i.e. diameter, according to the present invention is given by intensity. There are several ways of determining the diameter of the oil droplet size by intensity. Intensity is measured by use of a sizing instrument, suitably by dynamic light scattering such as the Malvern Zetasizer 4000 or preferably the Malvern Zetasizer 3000HS. A detailed procedure is given in Example II.2. A first possibility is to determine the z average diameter ZAD by dynamic light scattering (PCS-Photon correlation spectroscopy); this method additionally give the polydispersity index (PDI), and both the ZAD and PDI are calculated with the cumulants algorithm. These values do not require the knowledge of the particle refractive index. A second mean is to calculate the diameter of the oil droplet by determining the whole particle size distribution by another algorithm, either the Contin, or NNLS, or the automatic "Malvern" one (the default algorithm provided for by the sizing instrument). Most of the time, as the particle refractive index of a complex composition is unknown, only the intensity distribution is taken into consideration, and if necessary the intensity mean originating from this distribution.

[0094] The oil in water emulsion according to the invention comprises a sterol or a tocopherol, such as alpha tocopherol,. Sterols are well known in the art, for example cholesterol is well known and is, for example, disclosed in the Merck Index, 11th Edn., page 341, as a naturally occurring sterol found in animal fat. Other suitable sterols include .beta.-sitosterol, stigmasterol, ergosterol and ergocalciferol. Said sterol is suitably present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% (w/v) of the total volume of the immunogenic composition, preferably at an amount of 0.1% to 5% (w/v). Preferably, when the sterol is cholesterol, it is present in an amount of between 0.02% and 0.2% (w/v) of the total volume of the immunogenic composition, more preferably at an amount of 0.02% (w/v) in a 0.5 ml vaccine dose volume, or 0.07% (w/v) in 0.5 ml vaccine dose volume or 0.1% (w/v) in 0.7 ml vaccine dose volume.

[0095] Suitably alpha-tocopherol or a derivative thereof such as alpha-tocopherol succinate is present. Preferably alpha-tocopherol is present in an amount of between 0.2% and 5.0% (v/v) of the total volume of the immunogenic composition, more preferably at an amount of 2.5% (v/v) in a 0.5 ml vaccine dose volume, or 0.5% (v/v) in 0.5 ml vaccine dose volume or 1.7-1.9% (v/v), preferably 1.8% in 0.7 ml vaccine dose volume. By way of clarification, concentrations given in v/v can be converted into concentration in w/v by applying the following conversion factor: a 5% (v/v) alpha-tocopherol concentration is equivalent to a 4.8% (w/v) alpha-tocopherol concentration. A suitable amount of alpha-tocopherol is about 11.9 mg per vaccine dose, suitably from 11.6 to 12.2 mg per vaccine dose.

[0096] The oil in water emulsion comprises an emulsifying agent. The emulsifying agent may be present at an amount of 0.01 to 5.0% by weight of the immunogenic composition (w/w), preferably present at an amount of 0.1 to 2.0% by weight (w/w). Preferred concentration are 0.5 to 1.5% by weight (w/w) of the total composition.

[0097] The emulsifying agent may suitably be polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80). In a specific embodiment, a 0.5 ml vaccine dose volume contains 1% (w/w) Tween 80, and a 0.7 ml vaccine dose volume contains 0.7% (w/w) Tween 80. In another specific embodiment the concentration of Tween 80 is 0.2% (w/w). A suitable amount of polysorbate 80 is about 4.9 mg per vaccine dose, suitably from 4.6 to 5.2 mg per vaccine dose.

[0098] Suitably a vaccine dose comprises alpha-tocopherol in an amount of about 11.9 mg per vaccine dose, squalene in an amount of 10.7 mg per vaccine dose, and polysorbate 80 in an amount of about 4.9 mg per vaccine dose.

[0099] The oil in water emulsion adjuvant may be utilised with other adjuvants or immuno-stimulants and therefore an important embodiment of the invention is an oil in water formulation comprising squalene or another metabolisable oil, a tocopherol, such as alpha tocopherol, and tween 80. The oil in water emulsion may also contain span 85 and/or Lecithin. Typically the oil in water will comprise from 2 to 10% squalene of the total volume of the immunogenic composition, from 2 to 10% alpha tocopherol and from 0.3 to 3% Tween 80, and may be produced according to the procedure described in WO 95/1721 0. Preferably the ratio of squalene: alpha tocopherol is equal or less than 1 as this 20 provides a more stable emulsion. Span 85 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate) may also be present, for example at a level of 1%.

Immunogenic Properties of the Immunogenic Composition Used for the First Vaccination of the Present Invention

[0100] In the present invention the monovalent influenza composition is capable of inducing an improved CD4 T-cell immune response against at least one of the component antigen(s) or antigenic composition compared to the CD4 T-cell immune response obtained with the corresponding composition which in un-adjuvanted, i.e. does not contain any exogeneous adjuvant (herein also referred to as `plain composition`). In a specific embodiment, said improved CD4 T-cell immune response is against the pandemic influenza strain.

[0101] By `improved CD4 T-cell immune response is meant that a higher CD4 response is obtained in a human patient after administration of the adjuvanted immunogenic composition than that obtained after administration of the same composition without adjuvant. For example, a higher CD4 T-cell response is obtained in a human patient upon administration of an immunogenic composition comprising an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof together with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant comprising a metabolisable oil, a tocopherol, such as alpha tocopherol, and an emulsifying agent, compared to the response induced after administration of an immunogenic composition comprising an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof which is un-adjuvanted. Such formulation will advantageously be used to induce anti-influenza CD4-T cell response capable of detection of influenza epitopes presented by MHC class 11 molecules.

[0102] Suitably said immunological response induced by an adjuvanted split influenza composition for use in the present invention is higher than the immunological response induced by any other un-adjuvanted influenza conventional vaccine, such as sub-unit influenza vaccine or whole influenza virus vaccine.

[0103] In particular but not exclusively, said `improved CD4 T-cell immune response` is obtained in an immunologically unprimed patient, i.e. a patient who is seronegative to said influenza virus or antigen. This seronegativity may be the result of said patient having never faced such virus or antigen (so-called `naive` patient) or, alternatively, having failed to respond to said antigen once encountered. Preferably said improved CD4 T-cell immune response is obtained in an immunocompromised subject such as an elderly, typically at least 50 years of age, typically 65 years of age or above, or an adult below 65 years of age with a high risk medical condition (`high risk` adult), or a child under the age of two.

[0104] The improved CD4 T-cell immune response may be assessed by measuring the number of cells producing any of the following cytokines: [0105] cells producing at least two different cytokines (CD40L, IL-2, IFN.gamma., TNF.alpha.) [0106] cells producing at least CD40L and another cytokine (IL-2, TNF.alpha., IFN.gamma.) [0107] cells producing at least IL-2 and another cytokine (CD40L, TNF.alpha., IFN.gamma.) [0108] cells producing at least IFN.gamma. and another cytokine (IL-2, TNF.alpha., CD40L) [0109] cells producing at least TNF.alpha. and another cytokine (IL-2, CD40L, IFN.gamma.)

[0110] There will be improved CD4 T-cell immune response when cells producing any of the above cytokines will be in a higher amount following administration of the adjuvanted composition compared to the administration of the un-adjuvanted composition. Typically at least one, preferably two of the five conditions mentioned herein above will be fulfilled.

[0111] In a particular embodiment, the cells producing all four cytokines will be present at a higher amount in the adjuvanted group compared to the un-adjuvanted group.

[0112] In a specific embodiment, an improved CD4 T-cell immune response may be conferred by the adjuvanted influenza composition of the present invention and may be ideally obtained after one single administration. The single dose approach will be extremely relevant for example in a rapidly evolving outbreak situation. In certain circumstances, especially for the elderly population, or in the case of young children (below 9 years of age) who are vaccinated for the first time against influenza, or in the case of a pandemics, it may be beneficial to administer two doses of the same composition for that season. The second dose of said same composition (still considered as `composition for first vaccination`) may be administered during the on-going primary immune response and is adequately spaced. Typically the second dose of the composition is given a few weeks, or about one month, e.g. 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks, or 6 weeks after the first dose, to help prime the immune system in unresponsive or poorly responsive individuals.

[0113] In a specific embodiment, the administration of said immunogenic composition alternatively or additionally induces an improved B-memory cell response in patients administered with the adjuvanted immunogenic composition compared to the B-memory cell response induced in individuals immunized with the un-adjuvanted composition. An improved B-memory cell response is intended to mean an increased frequency of peripheral blood B lymphocytes capable of differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells upon antigen encounter as measured by stimulation of in-vitro differentiation (see Example sections, e.g. methods of Elispot B cells memory).

[0114] In a still further specific embodiment, the vaccination with the composition for the first vaccination, adjuvanted, has no measurable impact on the CD8 response.

[0115] Suitably, the claimed composition comprising an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof formulated with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant, in particular an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant comprising a metabolisable oil, a sterol or a tocopherol, such as alpha tocopherol, and an emulsifying agent, will be effective in promoting T cell responses in an immuno-compromised human population. Suitably, the administration of a single dose of the immunogenic composition for first vaccination, as described in the invention will be capable of providing better sero-protection, as assessed by the correlates of protection for influenza vaccines, following revaccination against influenza in a human elderly population, than does the vaccination with an un-adjuvanted influenza vaccine. The claimed adjuvanted formulation will also induce an improved CD4 T-cell immune response against influenza virus compared to that obtained with the un-adjuvanted formulation. This property can be associated with an increased responsiveness upon vaccination or infection vis-a-vis influenza antigenic exposure. Furthermore, this may also be associated with a cross-responsiveness, i.e. a higher ability to respond against variant influenza strains. This improved response may be especially beneficial in an immuno-compromised human population such as the elderly population (65 years of age and above) and in particular the high risk elderly population. This may result in reducing the overall morbidity and mortality rate and preventing emergency admissions to hospital for pneumonia and other influenza-like illness. This may also be of benefit to the infant population (below 5 years, preferably below 2 years of age). Furthermore it allows inducing a CD4 T cell response which is more persistent in time, e.g. still present one year after the first vaccination, compared to the response induced with the un-adjuvanted formulation.

[0116] Preferably the CD4 T-cell immune response, such as the improved CD4 T-cell immune response obtained in an unprimed subject, involves the induction of a cross-reactive CD4 T helper response. In particular, the amount of cross-reactive CD4 T cells is increased. By `cross-reactive` CD4 response is meant CD4 T-cell targeting shared epitopes between influenza strains.

[0117] Usually, available influenza vaccines are effective only against infecting strains of influenza virus that have haemagglutinin of similar antigenic characteristics. When the infecting (circulating) influenza virus has undergone minor changes (such as a point mutation or an accumulation of point mutations resulting in amino acid changes in the for example) in the surface glycoproteins in particular haemagglutinin (antigenic drift variant virus strain) the vaccine may still provide some protection, although it may only provide limited protection as the newly created variants may escape immunity induced by prior influenza infection or vaccination. Antigenic drift is responsible for annual epidemics that occur during interpandemic periods (Wiley & Skehel, 1987, Ann. Rev. Biochem. 56, 365-394). The induction of cross-reactive CD4 T cells provides an additional advantage to the composition of the invention, in that it may provide also cross-protection, in other words protection against heterologous infections, i.e. infections caused by a circulating influenza strain which is a variant (e.g. a drift) of the influenza strain contained in the immunogenic composition. This may be advantageous when the circulating strain is difficult to propagate in eggs or to produce in tissue culture, rendering the use of a drifted strain a working alternative. This may also be advantageous when the subject received a first and a second vaccination several months or a year apart, and the influenza strain in the immunogenic composition used for a second immunization is a drift variant strain of the strain used in the composition used for the first vaccination.

[0118] The adjuvanted influenza immunogenic composition as herein defined has therefore a higher ability to induce sero-protection and cross-reactive CD4 T cells in vaccinated elderly subjects. This characteristic may be associated with a higher ability to respond against a variant strain of the strain present in the immunogenic composition. This may prove to be an important advantage in a pandemic situation. For example a monovalent influenza immunogenic composition comprising any of H5, a H2, a H9, H7 or H6 strain(s) may provide a higher ability to respond against a pandemic variant, i.e. a drift strain of said pandemic strain(s), either upon subsequent vaccination with or upon infection by said drift strain.

Detection of Cross-reactive CD4 T-cells Following Vaccination with Influenza Vaccine

[0119] Following classical trivalent Influenza vaccine administration (3 weeks), there is a substantial increase in the frequency of peripheral blood CD4 T-cells responding to antigenic strain preparation (whole virus or split antigen) that is homologous to the one present in the vaccine (H3N2: A/Panama/2007/99, H1N1: A/New Caledonia/20/99, B: B/Shangdong/7/97) (see Example III). A comparable increase in frequency can be seen if peripheral blood CD4 T-cells are restimulated with influenza strains classified as drifted strains (H3N2: A/Sydney/5/97, H1N1: A/Beijing/262195, B: B/Yamanashi/166/98).

[0120] In contrast, if peripheral blood CD4 T-cells are restimulated with influenza strains classified as shift strains (H2N2: A/Singapore/l/57, H9N2: A/Hongkong/1073/99) by expert in the field, there is no observable increase following vaccination.

[0121] CD4 T-cells that are able to recognize both homologous and drifted Influenza strains have been named in the present document "cross-reactive". The adjuvanted influenza compositions as described herein have been capable to show heterosubtypic cross-reactivity since there is observable cross-reactivity against drifted Influenza strains. As said above, the ability of a pandemic vaccine formulation to be effective against drift pandemic strains may prove to be an important characteristic in the case of pandemics.

[0122] Consistently with the above observations, CD4 T-cell epitopes shared by different Influenza strains have been identified in human (Gelder C et al. 1998, Int Immunol. 10 (2):211-22; Gelder C M et al. 1996 J Virol. 70 (7):4787-90; Gelder C M et al. 1995 J Virol. 1995 69 (12):7497-506).

[0123] In a specific embodiment, the adjuvanted composition may offer the additional benefit of providing better protection against circulating strains which have undergone a major change (such as gene recombination for example, between two different species) in the haemagglutinin (antigenic shift) against which currently available vaccines have no efficacy.

Other Adjuvants

[0124] The composition may comprise an additional adjuvant, in particular a TRL-4 ligand adjuvant, suitably a non-toxic derivative of lipid A. A suitable TRL-4 ligand is 3 de-O-acylated monophosphoryl lipid A (3D-MPL). Other suitable TLR-4 ligands are lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and derivatives, MDP (muramyl dipeptide) and F protein of RSV.

[0125] In one embodiment the composition may additionally include a Toll like receptor (TLR) 4 ligand, such as a non-toxic derivative of lipid A, particularly monophosphoryl lipid A or more particularly 3-Deacylated monophoshoryl lipid A (3D-MPL).

[0126] 3D-MPL is sold under the trademark MPL.RTM. by Corixa corporation (herein MPL) and primarily promotes CD4+ T cell responses with an IFN-.gamma. (Th1) phenotype. It can be produced according to the methods disclosed in GB 2 220 211 A. Chemically it is a mixture of 3-deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A with 3, 4, 5 or 6 acylated chains. Preferably in the compositions of the present invention small particle 3 D- MPL is used. Small particle 3D -MPL has a particle size such that it may be sterile-filtered through a 0.22 .mu.m filter. Such preparations are described in WO94/21292 and in Example II.

[0127] 3D-MPL can be used, for example, at an amount of 1 to 100 .mu.g (w/v) per composition dose, preferably in an amount of 10 to 50 .mu.g (w/v) per composition dose. A suitable amount of 3D-MPL is for example any of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 .mu.g (w/v) per composition dose. More preferably, 3D-MPL amount ranges from 25 to 75 .mu.g (w/v) per composition dose. Usually a composition dose will be ranging from about 0.5 ml to about 1 ml. A typical vaccine dose are 0.5 ml, 0.6 ml, 0.7 ml, 0.8 ml, 0.9 ml or 1 ml. In a preferred embodiment, a final concentration of 50 .mu.g of 3D-MPL is contained per ml of vaccine composition, or 25 .mu.g per 0.5 ml vaccine dose. In other preferred embodiments, a final concentration of 35.7 .mu.g or 71.4 .mu.g of 3D-MPL is contained per ml of vaccine composition. Specifically, a 0.5 ml vaccine dose volume contains 25 .mu.g or 50 .mu.g of 3D-MPL per dose.

[0128] The dose of MPL is suitably able to enhance an immune response to an antigen in a human. In particular a suitable MPL amount is that which improves the immunological potential of the composition compared to the unadjuvanted composition, or compared to the composition adjuvanted with another MPL amount, whilst being acceptable from a reactogenicity profile.

[0129] Synthetic derivatives of lipid A are known, some being described as TLR-4 agonists, and include, but are not limited to: [0130] OM174 (2-deoxy-6-o-[2-deoxy-2-[(R)-3-dodecanoyloxytetra-decanoylamino]-4-o-phos- phono-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl]-2-[(R)-3-hydroxytetradecanoylamino]-.alpha.- -D-glucopyranosyldihydrogenphosphate), (WO 95/14026) [0131] OM 294 DP (3S, 9 R) -3--[(R)-dodecanoyloxytetradecanoylamino]-4-oxo-5-aza-9(R)-[(R)- -3-hydroxytetradecanoylamino]decan-1,10-diol,1,10-bis(dihydrogenophosphate- ) (WO99/64301 and WO 00/0462) [0132] OM 197 MP-Ac DP (3S-, 9R) -3-[(R) -dodecanoyloxytetradecanoylamino]-4-oxo-5-aza-9-[(R)-3-hydroxytetradecano- ylamino]decan-1,10-diol,1-dihydrogenophosphate 10-(6-aminohexanoate) (WO 01/46127)

[0133] Other suitable TLR-4 ligands are, for example, lipopolysaccharide and its derivatives, muramyl dipeptide (MDP) or F protein of respiratory syncitial virus.

[0134] Another suitable immunostimulant for use in the present invention is Quil A and its derivatives. Quil A is a saponin preparation isolated from the South American tree Quilaja Saponaria Molina and was first described by Dalsgaard et al. in 1974 ("Saponin adjuvants", Archiv. fur die gesamte Virusforschung, Vol. 44, Springer Verlag, Berlin, p 243-254) to have adjuvant activity. Purified fragments of Quil A have been isolated by HPLC which retain adjuvant activity without the toxicity associated with Quil A (EP 0 362 278), for example QS7 and QS21 (also known as QA7 and QA21). QS-21 is a natural saponin derived from the bark of Quillaja saponaria Molina, which induces CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), Th1 cells and a predominant IgG2a antibody response and is a preferred saponin in the context of the present invention.

[0135] Particular formulations of QS21 have been described which are particularly preferred, these formulations further comprise a sterol (W096/33739). The saponins forming part of the present invention may be in the form of an oil in water emulsion (WO 95/17210).

Revaccination and Composition Used for Revaccination (Boosting Composition)

[0136] An aspect of the present invention provides the use of an influenza antigen in the manufacture of an influenza immunogenic composition for revaccination of humans previously vaccinated with an monovalent influenza composition as claimed herein or with said monovalent influenza composition comprising a variant influenza strain, formulated with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant as herein defined.

[0137] Typically revaccination is made at least 6 months after the first vaccination(s), preferably 8 to 14 months after, more preferably at around 10 to 12 months after.

[0138] The immunogenic composition for revaccination (the boosting composition) may contain any type of antigen preparation, either inactivated or live attenuated. It may contain the same type of antigen preparation i.e. split influenza virus or split influenza virus antigenic preparation thereof, a whole virion, a purified HA and NA (sub-unit) vaccine or a virosome, as the immunogenic composition used for the first vaccination. Alternatively the boosting composition may contain another type of influenza antigen, i.e. split influenza virus or split influenza virus antigenic preparation thereof, a whole virion, a purified HA and NA (sub-unit) vaccine or a virosome, than that used for the first vaccination. Preferably a split virus or a whole virion vaccine is used. The boosting composition may be adjuvanted or un-adjuvanted. The un-adjuvanted boosting composition may be Fluarix.TM./-Rix.RTM./Influsplit.RTM. given intramuscularly. The formulation contains three inactivated split virion antigens prepared from the WHO recommended strains of the appropriate influenza season.

[0139] Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the invention provides for the use of an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof in the manufacture of an immunogenic composition for revaccination of humans previously vaccinated with a monovalent pandemic immunogenic composition as claimed herein.

[0140] The boosting composition may be adjuvanted or un-adjuvanted. In a preferred embodiment, the boosting composition comprises an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant, in particular an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant comprising a metabolisable oil, a sterol or a tocopherol, such as alpha tocopherol, and an emulsifying agent. Preferably, said oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant preferably comprises at least one metabolisable oil in an amount of 0.5% to 20% of the total volume, and has oil droplets of which at least 70% by intensity have diameters of less than 1 .mu.m.

[0141] In one embodiment, the first vaccination is made with a pandemic influenza composition, preferably a split influenza composition, as herein defined and the re-vaccination is made as follows.

[0142] In a specific embodiment, the immunogenic composition for revaccination (also called herein below the `boosting composition`) contains an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof which shares common CD4 T-cell epitopes with the influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof used for the first vaccination. A common CD4 T cell epitope is intended to mean peptides/sequences/epitopes from different antigens which can be recognised by the same CD4 cell (see examples of described epitopes in: Gelder C et al. 1998, Int Immunol. 10(2):211-22; Gelder CM et al. 1996 J Virol. 70(7):4787-90; Gelder CM et al. 1995 J Virol. 1995 69(12):7497-506).

[0143] In an embodiment according to the invention, the boosting composition is a monovalent influenza composition comprising an influenza strain which is associated with a pandemic outbreak or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic outbreak. Suitable strains are, but not limited to: H5N1, H9N2, H7N7, H2N2 and H1 N1. Said strain may be the same as that, or one of those, present in the composition used for the first vaccination. In an alternative embodiment said strain may be a variant strain, i.e. a drift strain, of the strain present in the composition used for the first vaccination.

[0144] In another specific embodiment, the boosting composition is a multivalent influenza vaccine. In particular, when the boosting composition is a multivalent vaccine such as a bivalent, trivalent or quadrivalent vaccine, at least one strain is associated with a pandemic or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic. In a specific embodiment, two or more strains in the boosting composition are pandemic strains. In another specific embodiment, the at least opne pandemic strain in the boosting composition is of the same type as that, or one of those, present in the composition used for the first vaccination. In an alternative embodiment the at least one strain may be a variant strain, i.e. a drift strain, of the at least one pandemic strain present in the composition used for the first vaccination.

[0145] Accordingly, in another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof, from a first pandemic influenza strain, in the manufacture of an immunogenic composition as herein defined, for protection against influenza infections caused by a influenza strain which is a variant of said first influenza strain.

[0146] Accordingly, in another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of: [0147] (a) an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof, from a first influenza strain, and [0148] (b) an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant as herein defined in the manufacture of an immunogenic composition as herein defined, for protection against influenza infections caused by a influenza strain which is a variant of said first influenza strain.

[0149] The boosting composition may be adjuvanted or not.

[0150] Typically a boosting composition, where used, is given at the next influenza season, e.g. approximately one year after the first immunogenic composition. The boosting composition may also be given every subsequent year (third, fourth, fifth vaccination and so forth). The boosting composition may be the same as the composition used for the first vaccination. Suitably, the boosting composition contains an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof which is a variant strain of the influenza virus used for the first vaccination. In particular, the influenza viral strains or antigenic preparation thereof are selected according to the reference material distributed by the World Health Organisation such that they are adapted to the influenza strain which is circulating on the year of the revaccination.

[0151] The influenza antigen or antigenic composition used in revaccination preferably comprises an adjuvant or an oil-in-water emulsion, suitably as described above. The adjuvant may be an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant as herein above described, which is preferred, optionally containing an additional adjuvant such as TLR-4 ligand such as 3D-MPL or a saponin, or may be another suitable adjuvant such as alum or alum alternatives such as polyphosphazene for example.

[0152] Preferably revaccination induces any, preferably two or all, of the following: (i) an improved CD4 response against the influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof, or (ii) an improved B cell memory response or (iii) an improved humoral response, compared to the equivalent response induced after a first vaccination with the un-adjuvanted influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof. Preferably the immunological responses induced after revaccination with the adjuvanted influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof as herein defined, are higher than the corresponding response induced after the revaccination with the un-adjuvanted composition. Preferably the immunological responses induced after revaccination with an un-adjuvanted, preferably split, influenza virus are higher in the population first vaccinated with the adjuvanted, preferably split, influenza composition than the corresponding response in the population first vaccinated with the un-adjuvanted, preferably split, influenza composition.

[0153] In one aspect according to the invention, the revaccination of the subjects with a boosting composition comprising an influenza virus and an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant comprising a metabolisable oil, a sterol or a tocopherol, such as alpha tocopherol, and an emulsifying agent, as defined herein above, will show higher antibody titers than the corresponding values in the group of people first vaccinated with the un-adjuvanted composition and boosted with the un-adjuvanted composition. The effect of the adjuvant in enhancing the antibody response to revaccination is especially of importance in the elderly population which is known to have a low response to vaccination or infection by influenza virus. In particular, the adjuvanted composition-associated benefit will also be marked in terms of improving the CD4 T-cell response following revaccination.

[0154] The adjuvanted composition of the invention will be capable of inducing a better cross-responsiveness against drifted strain (the influenza strain from the next influenza season) compared to the protection conferred by the control vaccine. Said cross-responsiveness has shown a higher persistence compared to that obtained with the un-adjuvanted formulation. The effect of the adjuvant in enhancing the cross-responsiveness against drifted strain is of important in a pandemic situation.

[0155] In a further embodiment the invention relates to a vaccination regime in which the first vaccination is made with an influenza composition, preferably a split influenza composition, containing an influenza strain that could potentially cause a pandemic and the revaccination is made with a composition, either monovalent or multivalent, comprising at least one circulating strain, either a pandemic strain or a classical strain.

CD4 Epitope in HA

[0156] This antigenic drift mainly resides in epitope regions of the viral surface proteins haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). It is known that any difference in CD4 and B cell epitopes between different influenza strains, being used by the virus to evade the adaptive response of the host immune system, will play a major role in influenza vaccination.

[0157] CD4 T-cell epitopes shared by different Influenza strains have been identified in human (see for example: Gelder C et al. 1998, Int Immunol. 10(2):211-22; Gelder CM et al. 1996 J Virol. 70(7):4787-90; and Gelder CM et al. 1995 J Virol. 1995 69(12):7497-506).

[0158] In a specific embodiment, the revaccination is made by using a boosting composition which contains an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof which shares common CD4 T-cell epitopes with the influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation thereof used for the first vaccination. The invention thus relates to the use of the immunogenic composition comprising a pandemic influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof and an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant, in particular an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant comprising a metabolisable oil, a sterol or a tocopherol, such as alpha tocopherol, and an emulsifying agent, in the manufacture of a first vaccination-component of a multi-dose vaccine, the multi-dose vaccine further comprising, as a boosting dose, an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof which shares common CD4 T-cell epitopes with the pandemic influenza virus antigen or virus antigenic preparation thereof of the dose given at the first vaccination.

Vaccination Means

[0159] The composition of the invention may be administered by any suitable delivery route, such as intradermal, mucosal e.g. intranasal, oral, intramuscular or subcutaneous. Other delivery routes are well known in the art.

[0160] The intramuscular delivery route is particularly suitable for the adjuvanted influenza composition. The composition according to the invention may be presented in a monodose container, or alternatively, a multidose container, particularly suitable for a pandemic vaccine. In this instance an antimicrobial presentaive such a thiomersal is typically present to present contamination during use. A thiomersal concentration of 5 or 10 .mu.g/dose is suitably present.

[0161] Intradermal delivery is another suitable route. Any suitable device may be used for intradermal delivery, for example short needle devices such as those described in US 4,886,499, US 5,190,521, US 5,328,483, US 5,527,288, US 4,270,537, US 5,015,235, US 5,141,496, US 5,417,662. Intradermal vaccines may also be administered by devices which limit the effective penetration length of a needle into the skin, such as those described in WO99/34850 and EP1092444, incorporated herein by reference, and functional equivalents thereof. Also suitable are jet injection devices which deliver liquid vaccines to the dermis via a liquid jet injector or via a needle which pierces the stratum corneum and produces a jet which reaches the dermis. Jet injection devices are described for example in US 5,480,381, US 5,599,302, US 5,334,144, US 5,993,412, US 5,649,912, US 5,569,189, US 5,704,911, US 5,383,851, US 5,893,397, US 5,466,220, US 5,339,163, US 5,312,335, US 5,503,627, US 5,064,413, US 5,520, 639, US 4,596,556US 4,790,824, US 4,941,880, US 4,940,460, WO 97/37705 and WO 97/13537. Also suitable are ballistic powder/particle delivery devices which use compressed gas to accelerate vaccine in powder form through the outer layers of the skin to the dermis. Additionally, conventional syringes may be used in the classical mantoux method of intradermal administration.

[0162] Another suitable administration route is the subcutaneous route. Any suitable device may be used for subcutaneous delivery, for example classical needle. Preferably, a needle-free jet injector service is used, such as that published in WO 01/05453, WO 01/05452, WO 01/05451, WO 01/32243, WO 01/41840, WO 01/41839, WO 01/47585, WO 01/56637, WO 01/58512, WO 01/64269, WO 01/78810, WO 01/91835, WO 01/97884, WO 02/09796, WO 02/34317. More preferably said device is pre-filled with the liquid vaccine formulation.

[0163] Alternatively the vaccine is administered intranasally. Typically, the vaccine is administered locally to the nasopharyngeal area, preferably without being inhaled into the lungs. It is desirable to use an intranasal delivery device which delivers the vaccine formulation to the nasopharyngeal area, without or substantially without it entering the lungs.

[0164] Preferred devices for intranasal administration of the vaccines according to the invention are spray devices. Suitable commercially available nasal spray devices include Accuspray.TM. (Becton Dickinson). Nebulisers produce a very fine spray which can be easily inhaled into the lungs and therefore does not efficiently reach the nasal mucosa. Nebulisers are therefore not preferred.

[0165] Preferred spray devices for intranasal use are devices for which the performance of the device is not dependent upon the pressure applied by the user. These devices are known as pressure threshold devices. Liquid is released from the nozzle only when a threshold pressure is applied. These devices make it easier to achieve a spray with a regular droplet size. Pressure threshold devices suitable for use with the present invention are known in the art and are described for example in WO 91/13281 and EP 311 863 B and EP 516 636, incorporated herein by reference. Such devices are commercially available from Pfeiffer GmbH and are also described in Bommer, R. Pharmaceutical Technology Europe, September 1999.

[0166] Preferred intranasal devices produce droplets (measured using water as the liquid) in the range 1 to 200 .mu.m, preferably 10 to 120 .mu.m. Below 10 .mu.m there is a risk of inhalation, therefore it is desirable to have no more than about 5% of droplets below 10 .mu.m. Droplets above 120 .mu.m do not spread as well as smaller droplets, so it is desirable to have no more than about 5% of droplets exceeding 120 .mu.m.

[0167] Bi-dose delivery is a further preferred feature of an intranasal delivery system for use with the vaccines according to the invention. Bi-dose devices contain two sub-doses of a single vaccine dose, one sub-dose for administration to each nostril. Generally, the two sub-doses are present in a single chamber and the construction of the device allows the efficient delivery of a single sub-dose at a time. Alternatively, a monodose device may be used for administering the vaccines according to the invention.

[0168] Alternatively, the epidermal or transdermal vaccination route is also contempletd in the present invention.

[0169] In one aspect of the present invention, the adjuvanted immunogenic composition for the first administration may be given intramuscularly, and the boosting composition, either adjuvanted or not, may be administered through a different route, for example intradermal, subcutaneous or intranasal. In a specific embodiment, the composition for the first administration contains a HA amount of less than 15 .mu.g for the pandemic influenza strain, and the boosting composition may contain a standard amount of 15 .mu.g or, suitably a low amount of HA, i.e. below 15 .mu.g, which, depending on the administration route, may be given in a smaller volume.

Populations to Vaccinate

[0170] The target population to vaccinate is the entire population, e.g. healthy young adults (e.g. aged 18-60), elderly (typically aged above 60) or infants. The target population may in particular be immuno-compromised human. Immuno-compromised humans generally are less well able to respond to an antigen, in particular to an influenza antigen, in comparison to healthy adults.

[0171] In one aspect according to the invention, the target population is a population which is unprimed against influenza, either being naive (such as vis a vis a pandemic strain), or having failed to respond previously to influenza infection or vaccination. Preferably the target population is elderly persons suitably aged at least 60, or 65 years and over, younger high-risk adults (i.e. between 18 and 60 years of age) such as people working in health institutions, or those young adults with a risk factor such as cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, or diabetes. Another target population is all children 6 months of age and over, especially children 6-23 months of age who experience a relatively high influenza-related hospitalization rate. Preferably the target population is elderly above 65 years of age.

Vaccination Regimes, Dosing and Efficacy Criteria

[0172] Suitably the immunogenic compositions according to the present invention are a standard 0.5 ml injectable dose in most cases, and contains less than 15 .mu.g of haemagglutinin antigen component from a pandemic influenza strain, as measured by single radial immunodiffusion (SRD) (J. M. Wood et al.: J. Biol. Stand. 5 (1977) 237-247; J. M. Wood et al., J. Biol. Stand. 9 (1981) 317-330). Suitably the vaccine dose volume will be between 0.5 ml and 1 ml, in particular a standard 0.5 ml, or 0.7 ml vaccine dose volume. Slight adaptation of the dose volume will be made routinely depending on the HA concentration in the original bulk sample.

[0173] Suitably said immunogenic composition contains a low amount of HA antigen--e.g any of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 .mu.g of HA per influenza strain. Said low amount of HA amount may be as low as practically feasible provided that it allows to formulate a vaccine which meets the EU criteria for efficacy, as detailed below (see Table 1 and the specific parameters as set forth). A suitable low amount of HA is between 1 to 7.5 .mu.g of HA per influenza strain, suitably between 3.5 to 5 .mu.g such as 3.75 .mu.g of HA per influenza strain, typically about 5 .mu.g of HA per influenza strain. Another suitable amount of HA is between 0.1 and 5 .mu.g of HA per influenza strain, suitably between 1.0 and 2 .mu.g of HA per influenza strain such as 1.9 .mu.g of HA per influenza strain.

[0174] Advantageously, a vaccine dose according to the invention, in particular a low dose vaccine, may be provided in a smaller volume than the conventional injected split flu vaccines, which are generally around 0.5, 0.7 or 1 ml per dose. The low volume doses according to the invention are preferably below 500 .mu.l, more preferably below 300 .mu.l and most preferably not more than about 200 .mu.l or less per dose.

[0175] Thus, a preferred low volume vaccine dose according to one aspect of the invention is a dose with a low antigen dose in a low volume, e.g. about 15 .mu.g or about 7.5 .mu.g HA or about 3.0 .mu.g HA (per strain) in a volume of about 200 .mu.l.

[0176] The influenza medicament of the invention preferably meets certain international criteria for vaccines. Standards are applied internationally to measure the efficacy of influenza vaccines. Serological variables are assessed according to criteria of the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products for human use (CHMP/BWP/214/96, Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products (CPMP). Note for harmonization of requirements for influenza vaccines., 1997. CHMP/BWP/214/96 circular N.degree.96-0666:1-22) for clinical trials related to annual licensing procedures of influenza vaccines (Table 1). The requirements are different for adult populations (18-60 years) and elderly populations (>60 years) (Table 1). For interpandemic influenza vaccines, at least one of the assessments (seroconversion factor, seroconversion rate, seroprotection rate) should meet the European requirements, for all strains of influenza included in the vaccine. The proportion of titres equal or greater than 1:40 is regarded most relevant because these titres are expected to be the best correlate of protection [Beyer W et al. 1998. Clin Drug Invest.;15:1-12].

[0177] As specified in the "Guideline on dossier structure and content for pandemic influenza vaccine marketing authorisation application. (CHMP/VEG/4717/03, Apr. 5, 2004), in the absence of specific criteria for influenza vaccines derived from non circulating strains, it is anticipated that a pandemic candidate vaccine should at least be able to elicit sufficient immunological responses to meet all three of the current standards set for existing vaccines in unprimed adults or elderly subjects.

[0178] The compositions of the present invention suitably meet at least one such criteria for the pandemic strain included in the composition, suitably at least two, or typically at least all three criteria for protection as set forth in Table 1. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 18-60 years >60 years Seroconversion rate* >40% >30% Conversion factor** >2.5 >2.0 Protection rate*** >70% >60% *Seroconversion rate is defined as the proportion of subjects in each group having a protective post-vaccination titre .gtoreq.1:40. **Conversion factor is defined as the fold increase in serum HI geometric mean titres (GMTs) after vaccination, for each vaccine strain. ***Protection rate is defined as the the proportion of subjects who were either seronegative prior to vaccination and have a protective post-vaccination titre of .gtoreq.1:40 or who were seropositive prior to vaccination and have a significant 4-fold increase in titre post-vaccination; it is normally accepted as indicating protection.

[0179] Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, it is provided for a composition, method or use as claimed herein wherein said immune response or protection induced by the administration of the contemplated pandemic composition meets all three EU regulatory criteria for influenza vaccine efficacy. Suitably at least one, suitably two, or three of following criteria are met for the pandemic strain of the composition: [0180] a seroconversion rate of >50%, of >60%, of >70%, suitably of >80% or >90% in the adult population (aged 18-60), and/or suitably also in the elderly population (aged >60 years); [0181] a protection rate of >75%, of >80%, of >85%, suitably of >90% in the adult population (aged 18-60), and/or suitably also in the elderly population (aged >60 years); [0182] a conversion factor of >4.0, of >5.0, of >6.0, of >7.0, of >8.0, of >9.0 or of 10 or above 10 in the adult population (aged 18-60), and/or suitably also in the elderly population (aged >60 years).

[0183] In a specific embodiment the composition according to the invention will meet both a seroconversion rate of >60%, or >70%, or suitably >80% and a protection rate of >75%, suitably of >80% in the adult population. In another specific embodiment the composition according to the invention will meet both a conversion factor of >5.0, or >7.0 or suitably >10.0 and a seroconversion rate of >60%, or >70%, or suitably >80% in the adult population. In another specific embodiment, the composition according to the invention will meet both a conversion factor of >5.0, or >7.0 or suitably >10.0, and a protection rate of >75%, suitably >80% in the adult population. In still another specific embodiment the composition according to the invention will meet both a conversion factor of 10.0 or above, a seroconversion rate of 80% or above, and a protection rate of 80% or above.

[0184] Suitably any or all of such criteria are also met for other populations, such as in children and in any immuno-compromised population.

[0185] In respect of the composition for re-vaccination, when it is a multivalent composition, at least two or all three of the criteria will need to be met for all strains, particularly for a new vaccine such as a new vaccine for delivery via a different route. Under some circumstances two criteria may be sufficient. For example, it may be acceptable for two of the three criteria to be met by all strains while the third criterion is met by some but not all strains (e.g. two out of three strains).

[0186] Suitably the above response(s) is(are) obtained after one dose, or typically after two doses.

[0187] In a further aspect the invention provides a method of designing a vaccine for diseases known to be cured or treated through a CD4+ T cell activation, comprising [0188] 1) selecting an antigen containing CD4+ epitopes, and [0189] 2) combining said antigen with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant as defined herein above, wherein said vaccine upon administration in said mammal is capable of inducing an enhanced CD4 T cell response in said mammal.

[0190] The teaching of all references in the present application, including patent applications and granted patents, are herein fully incorporated by reference. Any patent application to which this application claims priority is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety in the manner described herein for publications and references.

[0191] For the avoidance of doubt the terms `comprising`, `comprise` and `comprises` herein is intended by the inventors to be optionally substitutable with the terms `consisting of`, `consist of`, and `consists of`, respectively, in every instance.

[0192] The invention will be further described by reference to the following, non-limiting, examples: [0193] Example I describes immunological read-out methods used ferret and human studies. [0194] Example II describes the preparation and characterization of the oil in water emulsion and adjuvant formulations used in the studies exemplified. [0195] Example III shows a pre-clinical evaluation of adjuvanted and un-adjuvanted influenza vaccines in ferrets. [0196] Example IV describes a clinical trial in an adult population aged 18-60 years with a vaccine containing a split influenza antigen preparation from a panemic H5N1 strain and AS03 adjuvant.

EXAMPLE I

Immunological Read-out Methods

[0196] 1.1. Ferrets Methods

[0197] Suitable methods are given below which are routinely used for experiments performed 30 with seasonal strains. The skilled reader will understand that it may need some adaptation or optimization depending on the influenza strain used.

[0198] I.2.1. Hemagglutination Inhibition Test (HI)

[0199] Test Procedure.

[0200] Anti-Hemagglutinin antibody titers to the influenza virus strain are determined using the hemagglutination inhibition test (HI). The principle of the HI test is based on the ability of specific anti-Influenza antibodies to inhibit hemagglutination of chicken red blood cells (RBC) by influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA). After pre-treatment of sera (cholera, RDE, heat inactivation, . . . ), two-fold dilutions of sera are incubated with 4 hemagglutination units of the influenza strain. Chicken (adaptation: turkey, or horse) red blood cells are then added and the inhibition of agglutination is scored. The titers are expressed as the reciprocal of the highest dilution of serum that completely inhibited hemagglutination. As the first dilution of sera was 1:10, an undetectable level was scored as a titer equal to 5.

[0201] I.2.2. Body Temperature Monitoring

[0202] Individual temperatures are monitored during the challenge period with the transmitters and by the telemetry recording. All implants are checked and refurbished and a new calibration is performed before placement in the intraperitoneal cavity.

[0203] Temperatures are recorded continually before and after the challenge

[0204] I.2.3. Nasal Washes

[0205] The nasal washes are performed by administration of 5 ml of PBS in both nostrils in awoke animals. The inoculum is collected in a Petri dish and placed into sample containers on dry ice.

[0206] Viral Titration in Nasal Washes

[0207] All nasal samples are first sterile filtered through Spin X filters (Costar) to remove any bacterial contamination. 50 p1 of serial ten-fold dilutions of nasal washes are transferred to microtiter plates containing 50 .mu.l of medium (10 wells/dilution). 100 .mu.l of MDCK cells (2.4.times.10.sup.5 cells/ml) were then added to each well and incubated at 35.degree. C. for 5-7 days. The viral titration was read and visualized by screening for cytopathic effects (CPE). The amount of infectious virus in a culture supernatant can be titrated by determining the dilution that causes CPE in 50% of the inoculated cell cultures. The dilution is called the 50% tissue culture infectious dose endpoint (TClD50) and can be calculated using the "Reed and Muench" method and expressed as Log TClD50/ml.

1.2. Assays for Assessing the Immune Response in Humans

[0208] I.2.1. Hemagglutination Inhibition Assay

[0209] The immune response was determined by measuring HI antibodies using the method described by the WHO Collaborating Centre for influenza, Centres for Disease Control, Atlanta, USA (1991).

[0210] Antibody titre measurements were conducted on thawed frozen serum samples with a standardised and comprehensively validated micromethod using 4 hemagglutination-inhibiting units (4 HIU) of the appropriate antigens and a 0.5% fowl (or 0.5% fowl and horse for H5N1) erythrocyte suspension. Non-specific serum inhibitors were removed by heat treatment and receptor-destroying enzyme.

[0211] The sera obtained were evaluated for HI antibody levels. Starting with an initial dilution of 1 :10, a dilution series (by a factor of 2) was prepared up to an end dilution of 1:20480.

[0212] The titration end-point was taken as the highest dilution step that showed complete inhibition (100%) of hemagglutination. All assays were performed in duplicate. Adaptation for H5N1

[0213] Specific Description of HI Using Horse Eerythrocytes:

[0214] Glycoproteins (haemaglutinins) are located in the viral envelope, and are able to agglutinate erythrocytes (red blood cells) of many species e.g. chicken.

[0215] The haemagglutination inhibition test is carried out in two steps: [0216] 1. Antigen-antibody reaction: the Influenza antigen (DTA, dialysis test antigen) reacts with the antibodies of the subject's serum. [0217] 2. Agglutination of excessive antigen: excessive antigen reacts with added red blood cells

[0218] Erythrocytes of horses are used for the H5N1 Pandemic strains.

[0219] 0.5% (end concentration) horse red blood cell suspension in phosphate buffer containing 0.5% BSA (bovine serum albumin, end concentration).

[0220] This suspension is prepared every day by washing red blood cell with the same phosphate buffer and a subsequent centrifugation step (10 min, 2000 rpm). This washing step has to be repeated once.

[0221] After the addition of the horse red blood cells to the reaction mix of patient/subject sera and virus suspension the plates have to be incubated at room temperature (RT, 20.degree. C. +/-2.degree. C.) for two hours due to the low sedimentation rate of the horse red blood cells.

[0222] I.2.2. Neuraminidase Inhibition Assay

[0223] The assay was performed in fetuin-coated microtitre plates. A 2-fold dilution series of the antiserum was prepared and mixed with a standardised amount of influenza A H3N2, H1 N1 or influenza B virus. The test was based on the biological activity of the neuraminidase which enzymatically releases neuraminic acid from fetuin. After cleavage of the terminal neuraminic acid .beta.-D-glactose-N-acetyl-galactosamin was unmasked. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labelled peanut agglutinin from Arachis hypogaea, which binds specifically to the galactose structures, was added to the wells. The amount of bound agglutinin can be detected and quantified in a substrate reaction with tetra-methylbenzidine (TMB) The highest antibody dilution that still inhibits the viral neuraminidase activity by at least 50% was indicated is the NI titre.

[0224] I.2.3. Neutralising Antibody Assay

[0225] Neutralising antibody measurements were conducted on thawed frozen serum samples. Virus neutralisation by antibodies contained in the serum is determined in a microneutralization assay. The sera are used without further treatment in the assay. Each serum is tested in triplicate. A standardised amount of virus is mixed with serial dilutions of serum and incubated to allow binding of the antibodies to the virus. A cell suspension, containing a defined amount of MDCK cells is then added to the mixture of virus and antiserum and incubated at 33.degree. C. After the incubation period, virus replication is visualised by hemagglutination of chicken red blood cells. The 50% neutralisation titre of a serum is calculated by the method of Reed and Muench (Am.J; Hyg.1 938, 27: 493-497).

[0226] I.2.4. Cell-mediated Immunity was Evaluated by Cytokine Flow Cytometry (CFC)

[0227] Peripheral blood antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells can be restimulated in vitro to produce IL-2, CD40L, TNF-alpha and IFN if incubated with their corresponding antigen. Consequently, antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells can be enumerated by flow cytometry following conventional immunofluorescence labelling of cellular phenotype as well as intracellular cytokines production. In the present study, Influenza vaccine antigen are used as antigen to restimulate Influenza-specific T cells. Results are expressed as a frequency of cytokine(s)-positive CD4 or CD8 T cell within the CD4 or CD8 T cell sub-population.

[0228] I.2.5. Memory B Cells by ELISPOT

[0229] The ELISPOT technology allows the quantification of memory B cells specific to a given antigen. Memory B-cells can be induced to differentiate into plasma cells in vitro following cultivation with CpG for 5 days. In vitro generated antigen-specific plasma cells can therefore be enumerated using the ELISPOT assay. Briefly, in vitro generated plasma cells are incubated in culture plates coated with antigen. Antigen-specific plasma cells form antibody/antigen spots, which can be detected by conventional immuno-enzymatic procedure. In the present study, influenza vaccine strains or anti-human Immunoglobulins are used to coat culture plates in order to enumerate influenza-specific antibody or IgG secreting plasma cells, respectively. Results are expressed as a frequency of influenza-specific antibody secreting plasma cells within the IgG-producing plasma cells.

[0230] I.2.6. Statistical Methods

[0231] I.2.6. 1. Primary Endpoints [0232] Percentage, intensity and relationship to vaccination of solicited local and general signs and symptoms during a 7 day follow-up period (i.e. day of vaccination and 6 subsequent days) after vaccination and overall. [0233] Percentage, intensity and relationship to vaccination of unsolicited local and general signs and symptoms during a 21 day follow-up period (i.e. day of vaccination and 20 subsequent days) after vaccination and overall. [0234] Occurrence of serious adverse events during the entire study.

[0235] I.2.6.2. Secondary endpoints

[0236] For the Humoral Immune Response:

[0237] Observed variables: [0238] At days 0 and 21: serum hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and NI antibody titres, tested separately against each of the three influenza virus strains represented in the vaccine (anti-H1 N1, anti-H3N2 & anti-B-antibodies). [0239] At days 0 and 21: neutralising antibody titres, tested separately against each of the three influenza virus strains represented in the vaccine

[0240] Derived variables (with 95% confidence intervals): [0241] Geometric mean titres (GMTs) of serum HI antibodies with 95% confidence intervals (95% Cl) pre and post-vaccination [0242] Seroconversion rates* with 95% Cl at day 21 [0243] Conversion factors** with 95% Cl at day 21 [0244] Seroprotection rates*** with 95% Cl at day 21 [0245] Serum NI antibody GMTs` (with 95% confidence intervals) at all timepoints. *Seroconversion rate defined as the percentage of vaccinees who have at least a 4-fold increase in serum HI titres on day 21 compared to day 0, for each vaccine strain. **Conversion factor defined as the fold increase in serum HI GMTs on day 21 compared to day 0, for each vaccine strain. ***Protection rate defined as the percentage of vaccinees with a serum HI titre =40 after vaccination (for each vaccine strain) that usually is accepted as indicating protection.

[0246] For the cell mediated immune (CMI) response

[0247] Observed variable

[0248] At days 0 and 21: frequency of cytokine-positive CD4/CD8 cells per 10.sup.6 in different tests. Each test quantifies the response of CD4/CD8 T cell to: [0249] Peptide Influenza (pf) antigen (the precise nature and origin of these antigens needs to be given/explained [0250] Split Influenza (sf) antigen [0251] Whole Influenza (wf) antigen.

[0252] Derived variables: [0253] cells producing at least two different cytokines (CD40L, IL-2, IFN.gamma., TNF.alpha.) [0254] cells producing at least CD40L and another cytokine (IL-2, TNF.alpha., IFN.gamma.) [0255] cells producing at least IL-2 and another cytokine (CD40L, TNF.alpha., IFN.gamma.) [0256] cells producing at least IFN.gamma. and another cytokine (IL-2, TNF.alpha., CD40L) [0257] cells producing at least TNF.alpha. and another cytokine (IL-2, CD40L, IFN.gamma.)

[0258] I.3.5.3. Analysis of Immunogenicity

[0259] The immunogenicity analysis was based on the total vaccinated cohort. For each treatment group, the following parameters (with 95% confidence intervals) were calculated: [0260] Geometric mean titres (GMTs) of HI and NI antibody titres at days 0 and 21 [0261] Geometric mean titres (GMTs) of neutralising antibody titres at days 0 and 21. [0262] Conversion factors at day 21. [0263] Seroconversion rates (SC) at day 21 defined as the percentage of vaccinees that have at least a 4-fold increase in serum HI titres on day 21 compared to day 0. [0264] Protection rates at day 21 defined as the percentage of vaccinees with a serum HI titre=1:40. [0265] The frequency of CD4/CD8 T-lymphocytes secreting in response was summarised (descriptive statistics) for each vaccination group, at each timepoint (Day 0, Day 21) and for each antigen (Peptide influenza (pf), split influenza (sf) and whole influenza (wf)). [0266] Descriptive statistics in individual difference between timepoint (Post-Pre) responses fore each vaccination group and each antigen (pf, sf, and wf) at each 5 different tests. [0267] A non-parametric test (Kruskall-Wallis test) was used to compare the location differences between the 3 groups and the statistical p-value was calculated for each antigen at each 5 different tests. All significance tests were two-tailed. P-values less than or equal to 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

EXAMPLE II

Preparation and Characterization of the Oil in Water Emulsion and Adjuvant Formulations

[0268] Unless otherwise stated, the oil/water emulsion used in the subsequent examples is composed an organic phase made of 2 oils (alpha-tocopherol and squalene), and an aqueous phase of PBS containing Tween 80 as emulsifying agent. Unless otherwise stated, the oil in water emulsion adjuvant formulations used in the subsequent examples were made comprising the following oil in water emulsion component (final concentrations given): 2.5% squalene (v/v), 2.5% alpha-tocopherol (v/v), 0.9% polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (v/v) (Tween 80), see WO 95/17210. This emulsion, termed AS03 in the subsequent examples, was prepared as followed as a two-fold concentrate.

II.1. Preparation of emulsion SB62

[0269] II.1.1. Lab-scale Preparation

[0270] Tween 80 is dissolved in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to give a 2% solution in the PBS. To provide 100 ml two-fold concentrate emulsion 5 g of DL alpha tocopherol and 5 ml of squalene are vortexed to mix thoroughly. 90 m1 of PBS/Tween solution is added and mixed thoroughly. The resulting emulsion is then passed through a syringe and finally microfluidised by using an M110S microfluidics machine. The resulting oil droplets have a size of approximately 120-180 nm (expressed as Z average measured by PCS). The other adjuvants/antigen components are added to the emulsion in simple admixture.

[0271] II.1.2. Scaled-up preparation

[0272] The preparation of the SB62 emulsion is made by mixing under strong agitation of an oil phase composed of hydrophobic components (.alpha.-tocopherol and squalene) and an aqueous phase containing the water soluble components (Tween 80 and PBS mod (modified), pH 6.8). While stirring, the oil phase (1/10 total volume) is transferred to the aqueous phase (9/10 total volume), and the mixture is stirred for 15 minutes at room temperature. The resulting mixture then subjected to shear, impact and cavitation forces in the interaction chamber of a microfluidizer (15000 PSI--8 cycles) to produce submicron droplets (distribution between 100 and 200 nm). The resulting pH is between 6.8.+-.0.1. The SB62 emulsion is then sterilised by filtration through a 0.22 .mu.m membrane and the sterile bulk emulsion is stored refrigerated in Cupac containers at 2 to 8.degree. C. Sterile inert gas (nitrogen or argon) is flushed into the dead volume of the SB62 emulsion final bulk container for at least 15 seconds.

[0273] The final composition of the SB62 emulsion is as follows: [0274] Tween 80: 1.8% (v/v) 19.4 mg/ml; Squalene: 5% (v/v) 42.8 mg/ml; a-tocopherol: 5% (v/v) 47.5 mg/ml; PBS-mod: NaCl 121 mM, KCl 2.38 mM, Na2HPO4 7.14 mM, KH2PO4 1.3 mM; pH 6.8.+-.0.1. II.2. Measure of Oil Droplet Size Dynamic Light Scattering

[0275] II.2.1. Introduction

[0276] The size of the diameter of the oil droplets is determined according to the following procedure and under the following experimental conditions. The droplet size measure is given as an intensity measure and expressed as z average measured by PCS.

[0277] II.2.2. Sample Preparation

[0278] Size measurements have been performed on the oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant: SB62 prepared following the scaled-up method, AS03 and AS03+MPL (50 .mu.g/ml), the last two being prepared just before use. The composition of the samples is given below (see section II.2.4). Samples were diluted 4000.times.8000.times. in PBS 7.4.

[0279] As a control, PL-Nanocal Particle size standards 100 nm (cat n.degree. 6011-1015) was diluted in 10 mM NaCl.

[0280] II.2.3. Malvern Zetasizer 3000HS Size Measurements

[0281] All size measurements were performed with both Malvern Zetasizer 3000HS.

[0282] Samples were measured into a plastic cuvette for Malvern analysis at a suitable dilution (usually at a dilution of 4000.times. to 20000.times. depending on the sample concentration), and with two optical models: [0283] either real particle refractive index of 0 and imaginary one of 0. [0284] or real particle refractive index of 1.5 and imaginary one of 0.01 (the adapted optical model for the emulsion, according to the values found in literature).

[0285] The technical conditions were: [0286] laser wavelength: 532 nm (Zeta3000HS). [0287] laser power: 50 mW (Zeta3000HS). [0288] scattered light detected at 900 (Zeta3000HS). [0289] temperature: 25.degree. C., [0290] duration: automatic determination by the soft, [0291] number: 3 consecutive measurements, [0292] z-average diameter: by cumulants analysis [0293] size distribution: by the Contin or the Automatic method.

[0294] The Automatic Malvern algorithm uses a combination of cumulants, Contin and non negative least squares (NNLS) algorithms.

[0295] The intensity distribution may be converted into volume distribution thanks to the Mie theory.

[0296] II.2.4. Results (See Table 2)

[0297] Cumulants Analysis (Z Average Diameter): TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Sample Dilution Record Count rate ZAD Polydispersity SB62 5000 1 7987 153 0.06 2 7520 153 0.06 3 6586 152 0.07 average 7364 153 0.06 SB62 8000 1 8640 151 0.03 (Example IV) 2 8656 151 0.00 3 8634 150 0.00 average 8643 151 0.01 SB62 + 8000 1 8720 154 0.03 MPL 25 .mu.g (*) 2 8659 151 0.03 3 8710 152 0.02 average 8697 152 0.02 (*) Prepared as follows: Water for injection, PBS 10x concentrated, 250 .mu.l of SB62 emulsion and 25 .mu.g of MPL are mixed together to reach a final volume of 280 .mu.l. The z-average diameter (ZAD) size is weighed by the amount of light scattered by each size of particles in the sample. This value is related to a monomodal analysis of the sample and is mainly used for reproducibility purposes. The count rate (CR) is a measure of scattered light: it corresponds to thousands of photons per second. The polydispersity (Poly) index is the width of the distribution. This is a dimensionless measure of the distribution broadness.

[0298] Contin and Automatic Analysis:

[0299] Two other SB62 preparations (2 fold concentrated AS03) have been made and assessed according to the procedure explained above with the following minor modifications: Samples were measured into a plastic cuvette for Malvern analysis, at two dilutions determined to obtain an optimal count rate values: 10000.times. and 20000.times. for the Zetasizer 3000HS, the same optical models as used in the above example.

[0300] Results are shown in Table 3. TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Analysis in Analysis in IR Contin Automatic Imag- (mean in nm) (mean in nm) SB62 Dilution Real inary Intensity Volume Intensity Volume 1022 1/10000 0 0 149 167 150 -- 1.5 0.01 158 139 155 143 1/20000 0 0 159 200 155 196 1.5 0.01 161 141 147 -- 1023 1/10000 0 0 158 198 155 -- 1.5 0.01 161 140 150 144 1/20000 0 0 154 185 151 182 1.5 0.01 160 133 154 -- "--" when the obtained values were not coherent.

[0301] A schematic representation of these results is shown in FIG. 1 for formulation 1023. As can be seen, the great majority of the particles (e.g. at least 80%) have a diameter of less than 300 nm by intensity.

[0302] II.2.5. Overall Conclusion

[0303] SB62 formulation was measured at different dilutions with the Malvern Zetasizer 3000HS and two optical models. The particle size ZAD (i.e. intensity mean by cumulant analysis) of the formulations assessed above was around 150-155 nm.

[0304] When using the cumulants algorithm, we observed no influence of the dilution on the ZAD and polydispersity.

EXAMPLE III

Pre-clinical Evaluation of an Adjuvanted Pandemic Split Influenza Vaccines (Comprising H5N1 Strain) in Ferrets

III.1. Rationale and Objectives

[0305] Influenza infection in the ferret model closely mimics human influenza, with regards both to the sensitivity to infection and the clinical response. The ferret is extremely sensitive to infection with both influenza A and B viruses without prior adaptation of viral strains. Therefore, it provides an excellent model system for studies of protection conferred by administered influenza vaccines.

[0306] This study investigated the efficacy of H5N1 Split vaccines adjuvanted with AS03 to protect ferrets against a lethal challenge with a H5N1 homologous strain. The objective of this experiment was to demonstrate the efficacy of an adjuvanted influenza vaccine compared to ferrets immunized with PBS or the adjuvant alone.

III.2. Experimental Design

[0307] III.2.1. Treatment/Group (Table 4)

[0308] Female ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) (6 ferrets/group) aged 14-20 weeks were injected intramuscularly on days 0 and 21 with a full human dose (500 .mu.l vaccine dose) of a dose range of H5N1 A/Vietnam/1194/2004 (0.6 to 15 .mu.g HA). Ferrets were then challenged on day 49 by the intranasal route with an homotypic strain (5 Log TClD.sub.50/ml). TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Antigen +/- Group adjuvant Dosage Route/schedule Other treatment 1 PBS IM Challenge H5N1 Days 0 and 21 (A/Vietnam/1194/04) Day 49 2 H5N1 AS03 15 .mu.g IM Challenge H5N1 HA Days 0 and 21 (A/Vietnam/1194/04) Day 49 3 H5N1 AS03 5 .mu.g IM Challenge H5N1 HA Days 0 and 21 (A/Vietnam/1194/04) Day 49 4 H5N1 AS03 1.7 .mu.g IM Challenge H5N1 HA Days 0 and 21 (A/Vietnam/1194/04) Day 49 5 H5N1 AS03 0.6 .mu.g IM Challenge H5N1 HA Days 0 and 21 (A/Vietnam/1194/04) Day 49 6 AS03 alone IM Challenge H5N1 Days 0 and 21 (A/Vietnam/1194/04) Day 49

[0309] III.2.2. Preparation of the Vaccine Formulations

[0310] III.2.2.2. Split H5N1 Adjuvanted with the Oil-in-water Emulsion Adjuvant AS03A in a 500 .mu.l Dose

[0311] Version 1

[0312] A premixed buffer is previously prepared in the Final Bulk Buffer (PBS pH 7.4) containing Thiomersal, Tween 80 and Triton X100 in quantities taking into account their concentrations in the strain. The day of the immunizations 15-5-1.7 or 0.6 .mu.g of H5N1 strain are added to the premixed buffer. After 30 minutes stirring, 250 .mu.l of SB62 emulsion is added. The formulation is stirred for 30 minutes. Injections occur within the hour following the end of the formulation.

[0313] Version 2

[0314] Suitably, the formulation is prepared as follows. Tween 80, Triton X100 and Thiomersal are added to the Final Bulk Buffer in quantities taking into account their concentrations in the strain. After 5 min stirring, 15-5-1.7 or 0.6 .mu.g of H5N1 strain are added. After 30 minutes stirring, 250 .mu.l of SB62 emulsion is added. The formulation is stirred for 30 minutes. Injections occur within the hour following the end of the formulation.

[0315] III.2.2.3. AS03A in a 500 .mu.l Dose

[0316] Version 1

[0317] 250 .mu.l SB62 emulsion is mixed with 250 .mu.l PBS pH6.8, stirred for 5 minutes and stored at 4.degree. C. until its administration.

[0318] Version 2

[0319] Suitably the formulation is prepared as follows. 250 .mu.l SB62 emulsion is mixed with 250 .mu.l PBS pH6.8 and stirred for 5 minutes. Injections occur within the hour following the end of the formulation.

[0320] Remark: In each formulation, PBS 10 fold concentrated is added to reach isotonicity and is 1 fold concentrated in the final volume. H2O volume is calculated to reach the targeted volume.

[0321] III.2.3. Read-outs (Table 5) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Readout Timepoint Analysis method Protection D + 4 Post challenge % protection (number of ferrets alive/total number ferrets per group)

III.3. Results and Conclusions

[0322] Table 6 summarizes the protection data obtained in ferrets after challenge with a homologous strain. TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Immunization Dead Alive % protection PBS* 4 1 20.00 0.6 .mu.g H5N1 AS03 2 4 66.67 1.7 .mu.g H5N1 AS03* 1 4 80.00 5 .mu.g H5N1 AS03 0 6 100.00 15 .mu.g H5N1 AS03 0 6 100.00 AS03 alone 6 0 0.00 Pooled controls 10 1 9.09 (PBS & AS03) *1/6 ferrets died in vaccination phase due to Aleutian disease.

[0323] Compared to control groups (PBS and AS03 alone) for which only 9.09% protection was observed after the challenge with a homologous H5N1 strain, a dose dependent protection was observed following immunization of naive ferrets with H5N1 split vaccine adjuvanted with AS03.

[0324] The lowest doses resulted in 66.67 and 80.00% protection against the homologous challenge in ferrets immunized with 0.6 and 1.7 .mu.g H5N1 split vaccine adjuvanted with AS03, respectively.

[0325] All ferrets immunized with the highest doses (5 and 15 .mu.g) of H5N1 split vaccine adjuvanted with AS03 were alive following the challenge with the homologous strain (1 00.00% protection).

[0326] Whatever the dose, all H5N1 split vaccine adjuvanted with AS03 were statistically significant different than the control groups (PBS or AS03 alone).

[0327] A statistical analysis performed on these data led to the following conclusions: [0328] all vaccine doses were statistically different from controls [0329] P values (Fischer's exact test) were ranging from 0.0276 for lowest dose to 0.0006 for highest dose [0330] the estimated dose to induce 90% protection was estimated in this model to be 2.9 .mu.g [0331] the lowest dose to induce 100% protection was estimated in this model to be between 2.9 and 5 .mu.g.

[0332] In summary, a dose dependant protection of naive ferrets against a homologous H5N1 challenge was observed following immunization with H5N1 split vaccine adjuvanted with AS03. Highest doses (5 and 15 .mu.g) resulted in a full protection against the H5N1 pandemic strain.

EXAMPLE IV

Clinical Trial in an Adult Population Aged in Adults Aged Between 18 and 60 Years with a Vaccine Containing a Split Influenza Antigen Preparation and AS03 Adjuvant

IV.1. Introduction

[0333] A phase I, observer-blind, randomized study is currently conducted in an adult population aged 18 to 60 years in 2006 in order to evaluate the reactogenicity and the immunogenicity of GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals pandemic influenza candidate administered at different antigen doses (3.8 .mu.g, 7.5 .mu.g, 15 .mu.g and 30 .mu.g HA) adjuvanted or not with the adjuvant ASO3. The humoral immune response (i.e. anti-hemagglutinin, neutralising and anti-neuraminidase antibody titres) and cell mediated immune response (CD4 and/or CD8 T cell responses) are measured 21 days after each of the two intramuscular administration of the candidate vaccine formulations. The non-adjuvanted groups served as reference for the respective adjuvanted group receiving the same antigen content.

IV.2. Study Design

[0334] Eight groups of 50 subjects each (planned) received in parallel the following vaccine intramuscularly: [0335] one group of 50 subjects received two administrations of the pandemic split virus influenza vaccine containing 3.8 .mu.g HA [0336] one group of 51 subjects received two administrations of the pandemic split virus influenza vaccine containing 3.8 .mu.g HA and adjuvanted with AS03 [0337] one group of 50 subjects received two administrations of the pandemic split virus influenza vaccine containing 7.5 .mu.g HA [0338] one group of 50 subjects received two administrations of the pandemic split virus influenza vaccine containing 7.5 .mu.g HA and adjuvanted with AS03 [0339] one group of 50 subjects received two administrations of the pandemic split virus influenza vaccine containing 15 .mu.g HA [0340] one group of 50 subjects received two administrations of the pandemic split virus influenza vaccine containing 15 .mu.g HA and adjuvanted with AS03 [0341] one group of 50 subjects received two administrations of the pandemic split virus influenza vaccine containing 30 .mu.g HA [0342] one group of 49 subjects received two administrations of the pandemic split virus influenza vaccine containing 30 .mu.g HA and adjuvanted with AS03

[0343] The enrolment was performed to ensure that half of subjects from each group will be aged between 18 and 30 years.

[0344] Vaccination schedule: two injection of pandemic influenza candidate vaccine at day 0 and day 21, blood sample collection, read-out analysis at day 21 and 42 (HI antibody determination, NI antibody determination, determination of neutralising antibodies, and CMI analysis), study conclusion (day 51) and study end (180 days).

IV.3. Study Objectives

[0345] IV.3.1. Primary Objectives [0346] To evaluate the humoral immune response induced by the study vaccines in term of anti-haemagglutinin antibody titers. [0347] To evaluate the safety and reactogenicity of the study vaccines in term of solicited local and general adverse events, unsolicited adverse events and serious adverse events.

[0348] For the Humoral Immune Response:

[0349] Observed variables at days 0, 21, 42 and 180: serum Heamagglutination-inhibition antibody titers.

[0350] Derived variables (with 95% confidence intervals): [0351] Geometric mean titers (GMTs) of serum antibodies at days 0, 21, 42 and 180 [0352] Seroconversion rates* at days 21, 42 and 180 [0353] Conversion factors** at days 21, 42 and 180 [0354] Protection rates*** at days 0, 21, 42 and 180 Seroconversion rate for Haemagglutinin antibody response is defined as the percentage of vaccinees who have either a prevaccination titer <1:10 and a post-vaccination titer.gtoreq. 1:40 or a prevaccination titer .gtoreq.1:10 and at least a fourfold increase in post-vaccination titer Conversion factor defined as the fold increase in serum HI GMTs post-vaccination compared to day 0; Protection rate defined as the percentage of vaccinees with a serum HI titer .gtoreq.40 after vaccination that usually is accepted as indicating protection.

[0355] For the Safety/Reactogenicity Evaluation: [0356] 1. Percentage, intensity and relationship to vaccination of solicited local and general signs and symptoms during a 7 day follow-up period (i.e. day of vaccination and 6 subsequent days) after each vaccination and overall. [0357] 2. Percentage, intensity and relationship to vaccination of unsolicited local and general signs and symptoms during a 21 days follow-up period after the first vaccination, during 30 days follow-up period after the second vaccination and overall. Occurrence of serious adverse events during the entire study.

[0358] IV.3.2. Secondary Objectives [0359] To evaluate the humoral immune response induced by the study vaccines in term of serum neutralizing antibody titers [0360] To evaluate the cell-mediated immune response induced by the study vaccines in term of frequency of influenza-specific CD4/CD8 T lymphocytes

[0361] In addition, the impact of vaccination on Influenza-specific memory B cells using the Elispot technology will be evaluated.

[0362] For the Humoral Immune Response:

[0363] Observed variables at days 0, 21, 42 and 180: serum neutralizing antibody titers.

[0364] Derived variables (with 95% confidence intervals): [0365] Geometric mean titers (GMTs) of serum antibodies at days 0, 21, 42 and 180 [0366] Seroconversion rates* at day s21, 42 and 180 Seroconversion rate for Neutralising antibody response is defined as the percentage of vaccinees with a minimum 4-fold increase in titer at post-vaccination.

[0367] For the CMI Response: [0368] 1. Frequency of cytokine CD4/CD8 cells per 10.sup.6 in tests producing at least two different cytokines (CD40L, IL-2, TNF-.alpha., IFN-.gamma.) [0369] 2. Frequency of cytokine-positive CD4/CD8 cells per 10.sup.6 in tests producing at least CD40L and another signal molecule (IL-2, IFN-.gamma., TNF-.alpha.) [0370] 3. Frequency of cytokine-positive CD4/CD8 cells per 10.sup.6 in tests producing at least IL-2 and another signal molecule (CD40L, IFN-.gamma., TNF-.alpha.) [0371] 4. Frequency of cytokine-positive CD4/CD8 cells per 10.sup.6 in tests producing at least TNF-.alpha. and another signal molecule (IL-2, IFN-.gamma., CD40L) Frequency of cytokine-positive CD4/CD8 cells per 10.sup.6 in tests producing at least IFN-.gamma. and another signal molecule (CD40L, IL-2, TNF-.alpha.).

[0372] At days 0, 21, 42 and 180: frequency of influenza-specific memory B cells per 10.sup.6 cells in test.

IV.4. Vaccine Composition and Administration (Table 7)

[0373] III.4.1. Vaccine Preparation

[0374] III.4.1.1. Composition of AS03 Adjuvanted Influenza Vaccine

[0375] AS03 is contains the oil-in-water SB62 emulsion, consisting of an oil phase containing DL-.alpha.-tocopherol and squalene, and an aqueous phase containing the non-ionic detergent polysorbate 80.

[0376] The active substance of the pandemic influenza vaccine candidate is a formaldehyde inactivated split virus antigen derived from the vaccine virus strain A/VietNam/1194/2004 (H5N1) NIBRG-14. The dose of HA antigen is ranging from 3.8 to 30 .mu.g per dose.

[0377] The split virus monovalent bulks used to produce the AS03 adjuvanted influenza vaccine are manufactured following the same procedure as used for GSK Biologicals licensed interpandemic influenza vaccine Fluarix.TM./.alpha.-Rix.RTM.. For the purpose of this clinical trial the virus strain used to manufacture the clinical lots is the H5N1 vaccine strain A/Vietnam/1194/04 NIBRG-14 recombinant H5N1 prototype vaccine strain derived from the highly pathogenic A/Vietnam/1194/04. This recombinant prototype strain has been developed by NIBSC using reverse genetics (a suitable reference is Nicolson et al. 2005, Vaccine, 23, 2943-2952)). The reassortant strain combines the H5 and N1 segments to the A/PR/8/34 strain backbone, and the H5 was engineered to eliminate the polybasic stretch of amino-acids at the HA cleavage site that is responsible for high virulence of the original strains. This was achieved by transfecting Vero cells with plasmids containing the HA gene (modified to remove the high pathogenicity determinants) and NA gene of the human isolate A/Viet Nam/1194/2004 (H5N1) and plasmids containing the internal genes of PR8. The rescued virus was passaged twice on eggs and was then designated as the reference virus NIBRG-14. The attenuated character of this H5N1 reassortant was extensively documented in a preclinical safety assessment (performed by NIBSC), as is also done routinely for the classical flu vaccine strains.

[0378] The AS03-adjuvanted pandemic influenza candidate vaccine according to the invention is a 2 component vaccine consisting of 0.5 ml of concentrated inactivated split virion antigens presented in a type I glass vial and of a pre-filled type I glass syringe containing 0.5 ml of the AS03 adjuvant. At the time of injection, the content of the prefilled syringe containing the adjuvant is injected into the vial that contains the concentrated inactivated split vrion antigens. After mixing the content is withdrawn into the syringe and the needle is replaced by an intramuscular needle. One dose of the reconstituted the AS03-adjuvanted influenza candidate vaccine corresponds to 1 ml. Each vaccine dose of 1 ml contains 3.8 .mu.g, 7.5 .mu.g, 15.mu. or 30 .mu.g haemagglutinin (HA) or any suitable HA amount which would have be determined such that the vaccine meets the efficacy criteria as detailed herein.

[0379] Alternatively, the AS03-adjuvanted pandemic influenza candidate vaccine according to the invention is a 2 component vaccine consisting of 0.25 ml of concentrated inactivated split virion antigens presented in a type I glass vial and of a pre-filled type I glass syringe containing 0.25 ml of the AS03 adjuvant. At the time of injection, the content of the prefilled syringe containing the adjuvant is injected into the vial that contains the concentrated inactivated split vrion antigens. After mixing the content is withdrawn into the syringe and the needle is replaced by an intramuscular needle. One dose of the reconstituted the AS03-adjuvanted influenza candidate vaccine corresponds to 0.5 ml. Each vaccine dose of 0.5 ml contains 3.8 .mu.g, 7.5 .mu.g, 15.mu. or 30 .mu.g haemagglutinin (HA) or any suitable HA amount which would have be determined such that the vaccine meets the efficacy criteria as detailed herein.

[0380] The vaccine excipients are polysorbate 80 (Tween 80), octoxynol 10 (Triton X-100), sodium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride hexahydrate and water for injection. Thiomersal has been added as an antimicrobial preservative to prevent contamination during use, since it is anticipated that when a pandemic occurs the main presentation will be presented in a multidose container (vials or ampoules), for which a preservative is required. For this reason, the pandemic vaccine is formulated with thiomersal at 5 .mu.g/dose as preservative. Suitably the pandemic vaccine may be formulated with thiomersal at 10 .mu.g/dose as preservative or a slightly higher dose, such as up to 25 .mu.g/dose of vaccine.

[0381] III.4.1.2. Production of Split Inactivated Influenza H5N1 Antigen Preparation

[0382] The virus monobulks are prepared by growing H5N1 working seed in embryonated hen's eggs. The manufacturing process for the monovalent bulks of split, inactivated influenza H5N1 strain, illustrated in FIG. 2, is identical to the manufacturing process for the monovalent bulks of .alpha.-Rix.TM..

[0383] Basically, the manufacturing process of the monovalent bulks can be divided in four main parts: [0384] 1) Propagation of the working seed in fertilized hen's eggs, harvesting and pooling of infected allantoic fluids so as to obtain the "crude monovalent whole virus bulk" (step 1). [0385] 2) Purification of each virus strain leading to the "purified monovalent whole virus bulk" (steps 2-6). [0386] 3) Splitting of the purified monovalent whole virus bulk with sodium deoxycholate resulting in the "purified monovalent split virus bulk" (steps 7-8/1). [0387] 4) Inactivation of the purified monovalent split virus bulk in two steps by incubation with sodium deoxycholate and with formaldehyde, followed by ultrafiltration and sterile filtration, in order to obtain the "purified monovalent inactivated split virus bulk", or "Monovalent Bulk" (steps 8/2-9).

[0388] 1) Production of Crude Monovalent Whole Virus Bulk

[0389] Preparation of the Virus Inoculum:

[0390] On the day of inoculation of the embryonated eggs, an inoculum is prepared by mixing the working virus seed lot with phosphate buffer containing 25 .mu.g/mL hydrocortisone, and 0.5 mg/mL gentamicin sulfate. The virus inoculum is kept at room temperature until the inoculation.

[0391] Inoculation of Embryonated Eggs:

[0392] Eleven day-old pre-incubated embryonated eggs are used for virus replication. The eggs are transferred into the production rooms after formaldehyde fumigation of the shells. Approximately 120,000 eggs are inoculated with 0.2 mL of the virus inoculum each using an automatic egg inoculation apparatus. The inoculated eggs are incubated at 34.0.degree. C. for 72 hours.

[0393] At the end of the incubation period, the eggs are inspected visually for the presence of living embryo and age-adequate blood vessels. The embryos are killed by cooling the eggs and stored for 12-46 hours at 2-8.degree. C.

[0394] Harvest

[0395] The allantoic fluid (approximately 12 mL) from the chilled embryonated eggs is harvested by egg harvesting machines. The allantoic fluids are collected in a stainless steel tank thermo-regulated at 2-8.degree. C. At this stage the product is called the "crude monovalent whole virus bulk". The crude monovalent whole virus bulk is not stored but immediately transferred to the clarification step.

[0396] 2) Production of Purified Monovalent Whole Virus Bulk

[0397] All operations are performed at 2-8.degree. C., until the flow through ultracentrifugation, which is performed at room temperature.

[0398] Clarification:

[0399] The harvested allantoic fluid is clarified by continuous moderate speed centrifugation. This step removes big particles that could have been collected during the harvest of the allantoic fluid (e.g. parts of egg shells).

[0400] Adsorption Step:

[0401] This step permits to clarify further the allantoic fluid through a precipitation of virus material, by adsorption to a dibasic calcium hydrogen phosphate gel.

[0402] To obtain the dibasic calcium hydrogen phosphate (CaHPO.sub.4) gel, 0.5 mol/L disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4) and 0.5 mol/L calcium chloride (CaCl.sub.2) are added to the clarified virus pool to reach a final concentration of 1.87 g CaHPO.sub.4 per L.

[0403] After sedimentation for at least 8 hours to maximum 36 hours, the supernatant is removed and the sediment containing the influenza viruses is re-solubilized by the addition of an 8.7% disodium EDTA solution.

[0404] Filtration:

[0405] The resuspended influenza sediment is filtered through a 6-.mu.m filter membrane to remove potential remaining pellets.

[0406] Flow through Ultracentrifugation:

[0407] The influenza virus is further purified (removal of proteins and phospholipids) and concentrated by isopycnic ultracentrifugation in a linear sucrose gradient (0-55%) at a flow rate of 8-20 liters per hour. The gradient is formed using the sucrose solution 55% (w/w) with 0.01% thimerosal, and a Phosphate buffer pH 7.4 with 0.01% thimerosal. This is done in the presence of 100.+-.15 .mu.g/mL thiomersal in order to control the process bioburden, as the centrifugation is performed at room temperature.

[0408] Four different fractions are recovered by measuring the sucrose concentration via a refractometer: [0409] Fraction 4/1: 55-47% sucrose [0410] Fraction 4/2: 47-38% sucrose [0411] Fraction 4/3: 38-20% sucrose [0412] Fraction 4/4: 20-0% sucrose

[0413] The upper limit of fraction 4/2 is selected to balance between a high purity coefficient HA/protein and a maximum recovery of whole virus. The limit between fractions 4/2 and 4/3 is selected to minimize the ovalbumin content in fraction 4/2. The lower limit of fraction 4/3 is selected on the basis of the HA content found in the low sucrose gradient range. Fractions 4/2 and 4/3 are used for further preparations. Most of the virus is collected in Fraction 4/2. Fraction 4/3, which contains both virus and proteins, is further purified. First, the sucrose concentration of Fraction 4/3 is reduced below 6% (necessary for the subsequent centrifugation step) by ultrafiltration. Then, Fraction 4/3 is pelleted via centrifugation to remove any soluble contaminants (proteins). The pellet is re-suspended in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 and thoroughly mixed to obtain a homogeneous suspension. The holding times are maximum 36 hours for Fraction 4/3, maximum 60 hours for Fraction 4/2 and maximum 36 hours for the purified Fraction 4/3.

[0414] Dilution

[0415] Both fractions, the treated Fraction 4/3 and untreated Fraction 4/2, are pooled and diluted by adding 60 L of phosphate buffer pH 7.4.

[0416] At this stage, the pool of material corresponds to the "purified monovalent whole virus bulk".

[0417] 3) Preparation of the Purified Monovalent Split Virus Bulk

[0418] Flow through Ultracentrifugation in the Presence of Sodium Deoxycholate:

[0419] The influenza virus is splitted and further purified by centrifugation through a linear sucrose gradient (0-55%-formed with sucrose solution S8a and buffer S6a) that contains 1.5% sodium deoxycholate. Tween-80 is present at 0.1% in the gradient. The virus is processed at a rate of 8 liters per hour. At the end of the centrifugation, three different fractions are collected. The range of the main fraction (Fraction 7/2) is selected based on strain-dependent validation of splitting conditions, with as objective to collect a fraction consisting of predominantly disrupted influenza virus antigen, while minimizing as much as possible remaining whole virus particles and phospholipids coming from the virus membrane after splitting.

[0420] For A/Vietnam/1194/2004 NIBRG-145 the range of fraction 7/2 is set at 20-41% sucrose. The haemagglutinin antigen is concentrated in Fraction 7/2, which contains approximately 1.2% sodium deoxycholate. This material corresponds to the "purified monovalent split virus bulk".

[0421] 4) Preparation of the Purified Final Monovalent Split, Inactivated Virus Bulk

[0422] Filtration:

[0423] Fraction 7/2 is diluted threefold in phosphate buffer S7c, which contains 0.025% Tween-80. Then, fraction 7/2 is gradually filtered down to a 0.45 .mu.m filter membrane, briefly sonicated (to facilitate filtration) and filtered through a 0.2 .mu.m membrane. At the end of the filtration, the filters are rinsed with phosphate buffer (S107c) containing 0.025% Tween-80. As a result of the filtration and rinsing, the final volume of the filtrate is 5 times the original fraction 7/2 volume.

[0424] Sodium Deoxycholate Inactivation:

[0425] The resulting solution is incubated at 22.+-.2.degree. C. for at least 84 hours. After completion of the first inactivation step, the material is diluted with phosphate buffer S7c to reduce the total protein content to a calculated concentration of 500 .mu.g/mL:

[0426] Formaldehyde Inactivation:

[0427] Formaldehyde is added to a calculated final concentration of 100 .mu.g/mL. Inactivation takes place in a single use low density polyethylene 100 L bag at 20.+-.2.degree. C. for at least 72 hours.

[0428] Ultrafiltration:

[0429] The inactivated split virus material is ultrafiltered through membranes with a molecular weight cut off of 30,000 Dalton, using consecutively buffers S7b and S1b

[0430] After a volume reduction, the volume remains constant during ultrafiltration (diafiltration) by adding phosphate buffer and phosphate buffered saline (S1b) containing 0.01% Tween-80.

[0431] During ultrafiltration, the content of formaldehyde, NaDoc and sucrose is reduced.

[0432] The material is concentrated to 15-25 liters and is transferred immediately to the final filtration step.

[0433] Sterile Filtration:

[0434] After ultrafiltration, the split inactivated material is gradually filtered down to a 0.2 .mu.m membrane.

[0435] The final sterile filtration through a 0.22 .mu.m sterile grade membrane is performed in a Class 100 environment. At the end of the filtration the filters are rinsed with phosphate buffered saline solution S1b, containing 0.01% Tween-80. Herewith, the filtrate is diluted to a protein concentration less than 1000 .mu.g/mL, to avoid aggregation during subsequent storage.

[0436] The resulting material is the "purified monovalent inactivated split virus bulk" or "monovalent bulk".

[0437] Storage:

[0438] The final monovalent bulks of split inactivated influenza H5N1 viruses are stored at 2-8.degree. C. for a maximum of 18 months in Type I glass bottles.

[0439] III.4.1.3. Preparation of the Vaccine Compositions with AS03 Adjuvanted H5N1

[0440] 1) Composition

[0441] The AS03 adjuvanted inactivated split virus pandemic influenza candidate vaccine to be evaluated in the phase I clinical trial H5N1-007 is intended for intramuscular administration. The vaccine is a 2 component vaccine consisting of concentrated inactivated split virion (H5N1) antigens presented in a type I glass vial and of the AS03 adjuvant contained in a pre-filled type I glass syringe.

[0442] One dose of reconstituted AS03-adjuvanted pandemic influenza vaccine corresponds to 1 ml. The composition is given in Table 7. Since study H5N1-007 is a dose finding study, the HA content per dose is different for each of the clinical lots to be tested. One dose contains 3.8, 7.5,15 or 30 .mu.g HA.

[0443] The vaccine contains the following residuals from the manufacturing process of the drug substance: formaldehyde, ovalbumin, sucrose, thiomersal and sodium deoxycholate. TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Composition of the reconstituted AS03 adjuvanted pandemic influenza candidate vaccine Component Quantity per dose Active Ingredients Inactivated split virions 30/15/7.5/3.8 .mu.g HA A/VietNam/1194/2004 NIBRG-14 (H5N1) AS03 Adjuvant SB62 emulsion squalene 10.68 mg DL-.alpha.-tocopherol 11.86 mg Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) 4.85 mg Excipients Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80).sup.1 12.26 .mu.g/.mu.g HA Octoxynol 10 (Triton X-100).sup.2 1.16 .mu.g/.mu.g HA Thiomersal 5 .mu.g Sodium chloride 7.5 mg Disodium hydrogen phosphate 1 mg Potassium dihydrogen phosphate 0.36 mg Potassium chloride 0.19 mg Magnesium chloride hexahydrate 2.38/12.84/18.07/20.65 .mu.g

[0444] 2) Formulation

[0445] The manufacturing of the AS03-adjuvanted pandemic influenza vaccine consists of three main steps: [0446] (a) Formulation of the split virus final bulk (2.times. concentrated) without adjuvant and filling in the antigen container [0447] (b) Preparation of the AS03 adjuvant and filling in the adjuvant container [0448] (c) Extemporaneous reconstitution of the AS03 adjuvanted split virus vaccine

[0449] 1) Formulation of the Final Bulk without Adjuvant and Filling in the Antigen Container.

[0450] The formulation flow diagram is presented in FIG. 2.

[0451] The volume of the monovalent bulk is based on the HA content measured in the monovalent bulk prior to the formulation and on a target volume of 4000 ml.

[0452] The final bulk buffer (Formulation buffer comprising: Sodium chloride: 7.699 g/l; Disodium phosphate dodecahydrate: 2.600 g/l; Potassium dihydrogen phosphate: 0.373 g/l; potassium chloride: 0.2 g/l; Magnesium chloride hexahydrate: 0.1 g/l) and the correct volumes of Triton X-100 (5% Octoxynol 10 (Triton X-100) solution) and thiomersal (0.9% Thiomersal stock solution) are mixed together under continuous stirring. The monobulk H5N1 is then diluted in the resulting bulk buffer-Triton X-100-thiomersal in order to have a final concentration of 60/30/15/7.6 .mu.g H5N1 per ml of final bulk per ml (30, 15, 7.5 or 3.8 .mu.g HA/500 .mu.l final bulk). The mixture is stirred during 30-60 minutes. The pH is checked to be at 7.2.+-.0.3. There was no need to add Tween 80 because the concentration of Tween 80 (822 .mu.g/ml) present in the monobulk was sufficient to reach the concentration target (12.26 .mu.g/.mu.g HA).

[0453] The final bulk is aseptically filled into 3-ml sterile Type I (Ph. Eur.) glass vials. Each vial contains a volume of 0.65 ml.+-.0.05 ml.

[0454] 2) Preparation of the AS03 Sterile Adjuvant Bulk and Filling in the Adjuvant Container.

[0455] The adjuvant AS03 is prepared by mixing of two components: SB62 emulsion and phosphate buffer.

[0456] SB62 Emulsion

[0457] The preparation of the SB62 emulsion is realised by mixing under strong agitation of an oil phase composed of hydrophobic components (a-tocopherol and squalene) and an aqueous phase containing the water soluble components (Tween 80 and phosphate-saline buffer at pH 6.8). While stirring, the oil phase ( 1/10 total volume) is transferred to the aqueous phase ( 9/10 total volume), and the mixture is stirred for 15 minutes at room temperature. The resulting mixture then subjected to shear, impact and cavitation forces in the interaction chamber of a microfluidizer (15000 PSI--8 cycles) to produce submicron droplets (distribution between 100 and 200 nm). The resulting pH is between 6.8.+-.0.1. The SB62 emulsion is then sterilised by filtration through a 0.22 .mu.m membrane and the sterile bulk emulsion is stored refrigerated in Cupac containers at 2 to 8.degree. C. Sterile inert gas (nitrogen) is flushed into the dead volume of the SB62 emulsion final bulk container for at least 15 seconds.

[0458] The final composition of the SB62 emulsion is as follows (Table 8): TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Tween 80: 1.8% (v/v) 19.4 mg/ml Squalene: 5% (v/v) 42.8 mg/ml .alpha.-tocopherol: 5% (v/v) 47.5 mg/ml Phosphate-saline buffer NaCl 121 mM KCl 2.38 mM Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4 7.14 mM KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 1.3 mM pH 6.8 .+-. 0.1

[0459] AS03 Adjuvant System

[0460] The AS03 adjuvant system is prepared by mixing buffer (PBS mod) with SB62 bulk. The mixture is stirred for 15-45 minutes at room temperature, and the pH is adjusted to 6.8.+-.0.1 with NAOH (0.05 or 0.5 M)/HCl (0.03 M or 0.3 M). After another stirring for 15-20 minutes at room temperature, the pH is measured and the mixture is sterilised by filtration through a 0.22 .mu.m membrane. The sterile AS03 adjuvant is stored at +2-8.degree. C. until aseptical filling into 1.25-ml sterile Type I (Ph. Eur.) glass syringes. Each syringe contains a volume overage of 720 .mu.l (500 .mu.l+220 .mu.l overfill)

[0461] The final composition of the AS03 adjuvant is as follows (Table 9): TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 SB62 0.25 ml Squalene 10.68 mg Tocopherol 11.86 mg Polysorbate 80 4.85 mg PBS-mod: NaCl 137 mM KCl 2.7 mM Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4 8.1 mM KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 1.47 mM pH 6.8 .+-. 0.1 Volume 0.5 ml

[0462] 3) Extemporaneous Reconstitution of the AS03 Adjuvanted Split Virus Vaccine.

[0463] At the time of injection, the content of the prefilled syringe containing the adjuvant is injected into the vial that contains the concentrated trivalent inactivated split virion antigens. After mixing the content is withdrawn into the syringe and the needle is replaced by an intramuscular needle. One dose of the reconstituted the AS03-adjuvanted influenza candidate vaccine corresponds to 1 ml

[0464] III.4.2 Vaccine Preparation

[0465] The vaccines were administered intramuscularly in the deltoid region of the non-dominant arm. The pandemic influenza candidate vaccines are 2 components vaccines consisting of antigens presented in a vial (antigen container) and a pre-filled syringe containing either the adjuvant (adjuvant container) or the diluent. At the time of injection, the content of the pre-filled syringe is injected into the vial that contains the antigens. After mixing, the content is withdrawn into the syringe. The used needle is replaced by an intramuscular needle. One dose of the vaccine corresponds to 1 ml.

IV.5 Study Population Results

[0466] A total of 400 subjects were enrolled in this study: 49 to 51 subjects in each of the 8 groups. The mean age of the total vaccinated cohort at the time of vaccination was 34.3 years with a standard deviation of 12.76 years. The mean age and gender distribution of the subjects across the 8 vaccine groups was similar.

IV.6 Safety Conclusions

[0467] The administration of the pandemic influenza candidate vaccine adjuvanted with AS03 was safe and clinically well tolerated in the study population, i.e. adult people aged between 18 and 60 years.

IV.7 Immunogenicity Results

[0468] Analysis of immunogenicity was performed on the ATP cohort (394 subjects).

[0469] III.7.1. Humoral Immune Response

[0470] In order to evaluate the humoral immune response induced by the pandemic influenza H5N1 candidate vaccine adjuvanted with ASO3, the following parameters (with 95% confidence intervals) were calculated for each treatment group: [0471] Geometric mean titres (GMTs) of HI antibody titres at days 0, 21 and 42. [0472] Seroconversion rates (SC) at days 21 and 42; [0473] Conversion factors at day 21 and 42; [0474] Protection rates at day 21 and 42.

[0475] III.7.1.1 Anti-hemagglutinin Antibody Response

[0476] a) HI Geometric Mean titres (GMT)

[0477] The GMTs for HI antibodies with 95% Cl are shown in Table 10 (GMT for anti-HI antibody). Pre-vaccination GMTs of antibodies for the H5N1 vaccination strain were within the same range in the eight study groups. Following the first vaccination, in all non-adjuvanted groups anti-haemagglutinin antibody levels increased only very modestly in a dose dependent manner. In the adjuvanted vaccination groups, a more prominent increase in anti-haemagglutinin antibody levels was already observed after the first vaccination, with the highest GMT in the group receiving the highest antigen dose (HN30AD). Post second vaccination, GMTs in the non adjuvanted groups increased slightly over the post-first vaccination GMT. In comparison, significant higher GMTs were observed after the second vaccination in all adjuvanted groups, with a dose dependant increase observed from the 3.8 .mu.g to the 7.5 .mu.g to the 15 .mu.g group. For the 30 .mu.g group, a lower GMT than for the 7.5 .mu.g group was observed. TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Geometric mean titers (GMTs) for anti-HA antibody at different timepoints (ATP cohort for immunogenicity) GMT 95% CI Antibody Group Timing N value LL UL Min Max FLU A/VIET/04 AB HN30 PRE 49 5.2 4.8 5.6 <10.0 28.0 PI(D21) 49 14.1 8.9 22.6 <10.0 1280.0 PII(D42) 49 20.0 12.5 32.1 <10.0 905.0 HN15 PRE 49 5.3 4.8 5.9 <10.0 40.0 PI(D21) 49 10.4 6.9 15.6 <10.0 640.0 PII(D42) 49 14.7 9.6 22.4 <10.0 640.0 HN8 PRE 49 5.0 5.0 5.0 <10.0 <10.0 PI(D21) 49 6.8 5.4 8.7 <10.0 160.0 PII(D42) 49 8.5 6.3 11.5 <10.0 160.0 HN4 PRE 50 5.0 5.0 5.0 <10.0 <10.0 PI(D21) 50 5.1 4.9 5.4 <10.0 20.0 PII(D42) 50 6.2 5.3 7.4 <10.0 57.0 HN30AD PRE 48 5.1 4.9 5.5 <10.0 20.0 PI(D21) 48 36.7 22.7 59.3 <10.0 640.0 PII(D42) 48 187.5 116.2 302.7 <10.0 1280.0 HN15AD PRE 49 5.1 4.9 5.2 <10.0 10.0 PI(D21) 49 24.7 14.8 41.4 <10.0 1280.0 PII(D42) 49 306.7 218.4 430.8 <10.0 1810.0 HN8AD PRE 50 5.4 4.8 6.0 <10.0 40.0 PI(D21) 50 24.6 15.8 38.4 <10.0 640.0 PII(D42) 50 205.3 135.1 312.0 <10.0 1280.0 HN4AD PRE 50 5.4 4.8 6.0 <10.0 80.0 PI(D21) 50 12.9 8.9 18.7 <10.0 640.0 PII(D42) 50 149.3 93.2 239.1 <10.0 1280.0 HN30 = H5N1 30 .mu.g HN15 = H5N1 15 .mu.g HN8 = H5N1 7.5 .mu.g HN4 = H5N1 3.8 .mu.g HN30AD = H5N1 30 .mu.g + AS03 HN15AD = H5N1 15 .mu.g + AS03 HN8AD = H5N1 7.5 .mu.g + AS03 HN4AD = H5N1 3.8 .mu.g + AS03 GMT = geometric mean antibody titre calculated on all subjects N = number of subjects with available results n/% = number/percentage of subjects with titre within the specified range 95% CI = 95% confidence interval; LL = Lower Limit, UL = Upper Limit MIN/MAX = Minimum/Maximum PRE = Pre-vaccination dose 1 PI(D21) = Post-vaccination at day 21 PII(D42) = Post-vaccination at day 42 Data source = Appendix table IIIA

[0478] b) Conversion Factors of Anti-HI Antibody Titres, Seroprotection Rates and Seroconversion Rates (Correlates for Protection as Established for Influenza Vaccine in Humans)

[0479] Results are presented in Tables 11 (conversion factors), 12 (seroprotection rates) and 13 (seroconversion rates).

[0480] The conversion factors (Table 11, FIG. 7) represent the fold increase in serum HI GMTs for the vaccine strain on day 21 and 42 compared to day 0. The conversion factor after the second vaccination varies from 1.2 to 3.9 in the 4 non-adjuvanted groups and from 27.9 to 60.5 in the adjuvanted groups. Conversion factors in the AS03 adjuvanted groups are largely superior to the 2.5 fold increase in GMT required by the European Authorities for interpandemic vaccines for adults (set forth in Table 1). Currently, for pandemic candidate vaccines the same criteria are applied as utilized for annual licensure of interpandemic influenza vaccine. Of note, all except the lowest antigen concentration adjuvanted groups achieve a conversion factor of .gtoreq.2.5 already after the first vaccination.

[0481] The seroprotection rates (Table 12, FIG. 6) represent the proportion of subjects with a serum HI titre .gtoreq.40 on day 21 and 42. Prior to vaccination, 3 of the subjects (1 in group HN15, 1 in group HN8AD and 1 in group HN4D) were found to have protective levels of antibodies for vaccine strain H5N1 A/Vietnam/1194/2004. For H5N1 a very low percentage of seroprotected individuals prior to vaccination was obtained, confirming observation of previous studies (Bresson J L et al. The Lancet. 2006:367 (9523):1657-1664; Treanor J J et al. N Engl J Med. 2006; 354:1343-1351). At day 21, the seroprotection rates in the non-adjuvanted groups ranged from 0.0% to 28.6% (Table 12), while in the adjuvanted groups 26.0% to 58.3% of subjects achieved a protective titer. After the second dose of pandemic influenza candidate vaccine, 4.0 to 42.9% of subjects in the non-adjuvanted groups and 84.0% to 95.9% in the adjuvanted groups had a titer equal or above the threshold considered as protective (i.e. HI titer .gtoreq.1:40). Consequently, up to 95.9% of subjects (group 15HNAD) receiving an adjuvanted pandemic candidate vaccine had a serum HI titre .gtoreq.40 after 2 vaccinations and were deemed to be protected against the H5N1 vaccination strain. All four candidate formulations exceeded the seroprotection rate of 70% required in the 18-60 year old population by the European Authorities--with a substantial proportion of subjects already achieving a protective tier after the first dose--while non of the non-adjuvanted candidates vaccines reached this criterion.

[0482] The seroconversion rates (Table 13, FIG. 5) represent the percentage of vaccinees that have either a prevaccination titer <1:10 and a post-vaccination titer .gtoreq.1:40 or a prevaccination titer .gtoreq.1:10 and at least a fourfold increase in post-vaccination titer on day 21 and 42 as compared to day 0. After the first vaccination, seroconversion rates in the non-adjuvanted groups ranged from 0.0% to 14.9% (Table 13). In the corresponding adjuvanted study groups, seroconversion rates between 24.0% and 58.3% were observed after the first vaccination, exceeding already in 3 of the 4 adjuvanted groups receiving different antigen contents the requirements of the EMEA (seroconversion rate greater than 40% in the 18-60 year old population required). After the second vaccination between 4.0% and 40.8% of subjects in the non-adjuvanted groups, but 82.0% to 95.9% of subjects in the adjuvanted groups either achieved a seroconversion or four-fold increase. Therefore, after two vaccinations all four adjuvanted formulations of the candidate vaccine fulfilled the criterion for licensure as set by the EMEA, but only the highest dose of non-adjuvanted vaccine just achieved (HN30: 40.8%) this threshold. TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Seroconversion factor for HAI antibody titer at each post-vaccination time point (ATP cohort for immunogenicity) 95% CI Vaccine strain Timing Group N GMR LL UL FLU A/VIET/04 AB PI(D21) HN30 49 2.7 1.7 4.3 HN15 49 1.9 1.3 2.8 HN8 49 1.4 1.1 1.7 HN4 50 1.0 1.0 1.1 HN30AD 48 7.1 4.3 11.7 HN15AD 49 4.9 2.9 8.1 HN8AD 50 4.6 3.0 7.0 HN4AD 50 2.4 1.7 3.5 PII(D42) HN30 49 3.9 2.4 6.2 HN15 49 2.8 1.9 4.1 HN8 49 1.7 1.3 2.3 HN4 50 1.2 1.1 1.5 HN30AD 48 36.4 22.7 58.5 HN15AD 49 60.5 42.8 85.5 HN8AD 50 38.1 24.8 58.4 HN4AD 50 27.9 17.2 45.2 HN30 = H5N1 30 .mu.g HN15 = H5N1 15 .mu.g HN8 = H5N1 7.5 .mu.g HN4 = H5N1 3.8 .mu.g HN30AD = H5N1 30 .mu.g + AS03 HN15AD = H5N1 15 .mu.g + AS03 HN8AD = H5N1 7.5 .mu.g + AS03 HN4AD = H5N1 3.8 .mu.g + AS03 N = number of subjects with available results n/% = number/percentage of subjects with titre within the specified range PRE = Pre-vaccination PI(D21) = Post vaccination at day 21 PII(D42) = Post vaccination at day 42

[0483] TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Seroprotection rates at days 0, day 21 and day 42 defined as the percentage of vaccinees with the serum anti-HA titer .gtoreq.1:40 (ATP cohort for immunogenicity) .gtoreq.40 1/DIL 95% CI Antibody Group Timing N n % LL UL FLU A/ HN30 PRE 49 0 0.0 0.0 7.3 VIET/04 AB PI(D21) 49 14 28.6 16.6 43.3 PII(D42) 49 21 42.9 28.8 57.8 HN15 PRE 49 1 2.0 0.1 10.9 PI(D21) 49 10 20.4 10.2 34.3 PII(D42) 49 17 34.7 21.7 49.6 HN8 PRE 49 0 0.0 0.0 7.3 PI(D21) 49 4 8.2 2.3 19.6 PII(D42) 49 8 16.3 7.3 29.7 HN4 PRE 50 0 0.0 0.0 7.1 PI(D21) 50 0 0.0 0.0 7.1 PII(D42) 50 2 4.0 0.5 13.7 HN30AD PRE 48 0 0.0 0.0 7.4 PI(D21) 48 28 58.3 43.2 72.4 PII(D42) 48 41 85.4 72.2 93.9 HN15AD PRE 49 0 0.0 0.0 7.3 PI(D21) 49 24 49.0 34.4 63.7 PII(D42) 49 47 95.9 86.0 99.5 HN8AD PRE 50 1 2.0 0.1 10.7 PI(D21) 50 25 50.0 35.5 64.5 PII(D42) 50 45 90.0 78.2 96.7 HN4AD PRE 50 1 2.0 0.1 10.7 PI(D21) 50 13 26.0 14.6 40.3 PII(D42) 50 42 84.0 70.9 92.8 HN30 = H5N1 30 .mu.g HN15 = H5N1 15 .mu.g HN8 = H5N1 7.5 .mu.g HN4 = H5N1 3.8 .mu.g HN30AD = H5N1 30 .mu.g + AS03 HN15AD = H5N1 15 .mu.g + AS03 HN8AD = H5N1 7.5 .mu.g + AS03 HN4AD = H5N1 3.8 .mu.g + AS03 N = number of subjects with available results n/% = number/percentage of subjects with titre within the specified range PRE = Pre-vaccination PI(D21) = Post vaccination at day 21 PII(D42) = Post vaccination at day 42

[0484] TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Seroconversion rates for anti-HA antibody titer at each post- vaccination at day 21 and day 42 (ATP cohort for immunogenicity) Seroconversion 95% CI Vaccine strain Timing Group N n % LL UL FLU A/VIET/ PI(D21) HN30 49 13 26.5 14.9 41.1 04 AB HN15 49 10 20.4 10.2 34.3 HN8 49 4 8.2 2.3 19.6 HN4 50 0 0.0 0.0 7.1 HN30AD 48 28 58.3 43.2 72.4 HN15AD 49 24 49.0 34.4 63.7 HN8AD 50 25 50.0 35.5 64.5 HN4AD 50 12 24.0 13.1 38.2 PII(D42) HN30 49 20 40.8 27.0 55.8 HN15 49 17 34.7 21.7 49.6 HN8 49 8 16.3 7.3 29.7 HN4 50 2 4.0 0.5 13.7 HN30AD 48 41 85.4 72.2 93.9 HN15AD 49 47 95.9 86.0 99.5 HN8AD 50 45 90.0 78.2 96.7 HN4AD 50 41 82.0 68.6 91.4 HN30 = H5N1 30 .mu.g HN15 = H5N1 15 .mu.g HN8 = H5N1 7.5 .mu.g HN4 = H5N1 3.8 .mu.g HN30AD = H5N1 30 .mu.g + AS03 HN15AD = H5N1 15 .mu.g + AS03 HN8AD = H5N1 7.5 .mu.g + AS03 HN4AD = H5N1 3.8 .mu.g + AS03 N = number of subjects with available results PI(D21) = Post vaccination at 21 days PII(D42) = Post vaccination at 42 days Data source = Appendix table IIIA n/% = number/percentage of subjects with either a pre-vaccination titer <1:10 and post-vaccination titre .gtoreq.1:40 or a pre-vaccination titer .gtoreq.1:10 and a minimum 4-fold increase in pot-vaccination titer. 95% confidence interval, LL = Lower Limit, UL = Upper Limit

[0485] In Conclusion:

[0486] In case of an influenza pandemic, large proportions of the population will be naive towards the pandemic influenza strain and will likely require 2 doses of vaccine to be protected. To reduce the antigen content in the potential pandemic vaccine and therefore increase vaccine supply, adjuvantation strategies are employed after it has been shown that non-adjuvanted H5N1 candidates vaccines (H5N1 is a leading candidate for causing the next influenza pandemic) elicit a immune response only after large doses of antigen (Treanor J J et al. N Engl J Med. 2006; 354:1343-1351).

[0487] In this first trial reported herein with a H5N1 pandemic influenza candidate vaccine with AS03, the following results were obtained: [0488] There is a clear benefit of the adjuvant AS03 in comparison to the plain antigen formulations for all different hemagglutinin doses tested. Post second vaccination, there was a clear superiority of the adjuvanted groups in GMTs of HI antibody observed: The GMT of the adjuvanted group receiving the lowest antigen dose (3.8 .mu.g HA) tested was still 7.5 fold higher than the highest GMT achieved in the non-adjuvanted groups, elicited by the highest antigen dose (2 injections a 30 .mu.g of HA). There was no overlap of 95% Cl between either of the adjuvanted groups with either of the non-adjuvanted groups at day 42. [0489] The seroconversion rates at day 42 were 82.0%, 90.0%, 95.9% and 85.6% for the 3.8 .mu.g, 7.5 .mu.g, 15 .mu.g and 30 .mu.g plus adjuvant groups, respectively. This is for all four antigen contents adjuvanted with AS03 tested superior to the 40% required by the European Authorities. Only one of the non adjuvanted groups, the highest antigen dose group (30 .mu.g), was just able to accomplish a percentage above the set threshold. [0490] At day 42, the seroprotection rates in the four adjuvanted groups were 84.0%, 90.0%, 95.9% and 85.4% for the 3.8 .mu.g, 7.5 .mu.g, 15 .mu.g and 30 .mu.g plus adjuvant groups, respectively. The required percentage by the EMEA for the adult age group below 60 years of age is 70%, thereby all adjuvanted groups fulfilled this criterion, while non of the plain non adjuvanted groups could achieved the seroprotection rate required. [0491] In this study, after two vaccinations with the different candidate vaccine formulations, the seroconversion factor was greater than 27.9 for the four adjuvanted groups, thereby exceeding largely the requirement set at 2.5. Also for the non-adjuvanted groups, the 2 groups receiving the highest antigen doses (15 .mu.g and 30 .mu.g) fulfilled the requirement with 2.8 (HN15 group) and 3.9 (HN30 group).

[0492] Regarding the three criteria as set out by the EMEA which are also applicable for the evaluation of pandemic influenza candidate vaccines, all adjuvanted groups achieved after the second dose of the respective H5N1 vaccine adjuvanted with AS03 all three criteria defined for this age group:

IV.8. Overall Conclusions

[0493] IV.8.1. Reactogenicity and Safety Results

[0494] The leading candidate for the next influenza pandemic is the avian virus H5N1, which has resulted in a high mortality rate in cases of bird-to-human transmission, although efficient human-to-human transmission has not been fully confirmed. Should H5N1 demonstrate the ability to spread efficiently from person to person combined with the global transport network, the outcome may feasibly be a widespread influenza outbreak affecting a high percentage of individuals, leading to increased mortality and morbidity in all countries. Therefore, an immunologically effective and antigen sparing approach to vaccination has to be established to prevent potentially devastating effects of a pandemic. This can be achieved by using a suitable adjuvant, and for the first time, the immunogenicity enhancing effect of a novel adjuvant on a H5N1 candidate vaccine could be shown in this trial.

[0495] This study was designed to evaluate (1) the safety and reactogenicity in healthy adults of an pandemic influenza candidate vaccine adjuvanted or not with oil in water emulsion, i.e. AS03, (2) the antibody and cell-mediated immune responses.

[0496] Reactogenicity data show that the adjuvanted pandemic candidate vaccine induced (independent from antigen content) more local and general symptoms than the non-adjuvanted groups. However, the safety profile of all 4 adjuvanted groups was clinically acceptable. No serious adverse event was reported.

[0497] From these results, it can be concluded that the reactogenicity and safety profile of the pandemic candidate vaccine adjuvanted with AS03 is satisfactory and clinically acceptable.

[0498] IV.8.2. Immunogenicity Results

[0499] Regarding the immune response, the pandemic influenza candidate vaccine adjuvanted with AS03 exceeded with all antigen contents tested (3.8 .mu.g, 7.5 .mu.g, 15 .mu.g and 30 .mu.g HA, H5N1 A/Vietnam/1194/2004) the requirements of the European authorities for annual registration of split virion influenza vaccines ("Note for Guidance on Harmonisation of Requirements for influenza Vaccines" for the immunological assessment of the annual strain changes--CPMP/BWP/214/96), currently used as basis for evaluation of pandemic candidate influenza vaccines (Guideline on dossier structure and content for pandemic influenza marketing authorization application, CPM PNEG/4717/03).

[0500] The four different antigen contents for a adjuvanted pandemic influenza candidate vaccine tested in this trial were immunogenic in the healthy adults, who developed a excellent antibody response to influenza hemagglutinin as measured by HI (Table 14). TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 14 EU standard for antibody Variable response 30HNAD 15HNAD 7.5HNAD 3.8HNAD Con- >2.5 27.9 38.1 60.5 36.4 version factor Sero- >40% 85.4 95.9 90.0 82.0 conversion rate (%) Protection >70% 84.0 90.0 95.9 85.4 rate (%)

[0501] In summary, 2 doses of a novel adjuvanted pandemic influenza candidate vaccine induce at the lowest tested dose of 3.8 .mu.g a protective titer against the vaccine strain H5N1 A/Vietnam/1194/2004 in a very high proportion of subjects, exceeding all criteria established for evaluation of immunogenicity of influenza vaccines.

Claims

1. A monovalent influenza vaccine composition comprising an influenza virus component which is a low dose of influenza virus antigen from an influenza virus strain that is associated with a pandemic outbreak or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic outbreak, in combination with a suitable adjuvant, wherein said low antigen dose is less than 15 .mu.g of haemagglutinin per dose or no more than 15 .mu.g per combined dose of vaccine, and wherein said adjuvant is an oil-in-water emulsion carrier comprising a metabolisable oil, alpha tocopherol and an emulsifier.

2. A monovalent influenza vaccine composition comprising an influenza virus component which is a low dose of influenza virus antigen from an influenza virus strain that is associated with a pandemic outbreak or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic outbreak, in combination with a suitable adjuvant, wherein said low antigen dose is less than 15 .mu.g of haemagglutinin per dose or no more than 15 .mu.g per combined dose of vaccine, and wherein said adjuvant is an oil-in-water emulsion carrier comprising squalene and alpha tocopherol in a ratio which is equal or less than 1.

3. A vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein the influenza virus antigen is in the form of purified whole or in the form of a split influenza virus.

4. A vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein the said metabolisable oil is squalene.

5. A vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein said emulsifier is Tween 80.TM..

6. A vaccine composition according to claim 1, wherein said oil in water emulsion comprise from 2 to 10% squalene, from 2 to 10% alpha tocopherol and from 0.3 to 3% Tween 80.

7. A vaccine composition according to claim 1, wherein said oil in water emulsion additionally comprise 3 De-O-acylated monophosphoryl lipid A (3D-MPL), or QS21.

8. A vaccine composition according to claim 7 wherein 3D-MPL and QS-21 are present at a range of 1 .mu.g -100 .mu.g, preferably 10 .mu.g -50 .mu.g per dose.

9. A vaccine composition according to claim 7 wherein 3D-MPL and QS-21 are both present and wherein the ratio of 3D-MPL: QS21 is 2.5:1 to 1:1.

10. A vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein the low antigen dose is less than 15 .mu.g of haemagglutinin per dose.

11. A vaccine composition according to claim 10 in which the low antigen dose is less than 10 .mu.g of haemagglutinin per dose or per combined dose of vaccine.

12. A vaccine composition according to claim 11 in which the antigen dose is between 0.1 and 7.5 .mu.g, or between 1 and 5 .mu.g of haemagglutinin per dose or per combined dose of vaccine.

13. A vaccine composition of claim 1 which is egg-derived or cell culture-derived.

14. A vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein the influenza virus antigen is substantially free of host cell contamination.

15. A vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein the influenza virus component is purified by a method which includes a protease incubation step to digest non-influenza virus proteins.

16. A kit comprising: (i) a low dose of influenza virus antigen formulated with an adjuvant as defined in claim 1 for parenteral administration; and (ii) a low dose of influenza virus antigen for mucosal administration, in a mucosal delivery device such as an intranasal spray device, wherein the influenza virus component which is an influenza virus antigen from an influenza virus strain that is associated with a pandemic outbreak, or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic outbreak, and wherein the low antigen dose is less than 15 .mu.g of haemagglutinin per dose or no more than 15 .mu.g per combined dose of vaccine.

17. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the combined antigen dose of the parenteral and mucosal formulations is no more than 15 .mu.g haemagglutinin.

18. The kit according to claim 17 wherein the combined antigen dose is less than 10 .mu.g haemagglutinin.

19. The kit according to claim 17 wherein the influenza antigen in (i) is inactivated whole virus and the influenza antigen in (ii) is split virus.

20. A method for the production of an influenza vaccine for a pandemic situation which method comprises admixing a influenza virus antigen from a single influenza virus strain that is associated with a pandemic outbreak or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic outbreak, with an adjuvant as defined in claim 1 and providing vaccine lots or vaccine kits which contain less than 10 .mu.g influenza haemagglutinin antigen per dose or no more than 15 .mu.g haemagglutinin per combined dose.

21. A method according to claim 20 wherein the antigen is highly purified.

22. A method according to claim 20 wherein the influenza virus antigen is in the form of whole or split influenza virus particles.

23. The vaccine composition or kit or method according to claim 1 wherein the influenza antigen is selected from an H2 antigen such as H2N2 and an H5 antigen such as H5N1.

24. A method for producing influenza virus antigen for use in a vaccine, which method is according to claim 20, and comprises the step of incubating a mixture containing influenza virus particles with a protease to digest non-influenza virus proteins.

25. A method according to claim 24 wherein the protease digestion step is performed after the influenza virus antigen has been partially purified by one or more physical separation steps.

26. A method according to claim 24 wherein the protease digestion step is performed prior to a virus inactivation step.

27. A method according to claim 26 wherein the purification process comprises the steps of: (i) providing a harvested mixture of cultured influenza virus and host proteins from a culture; (ii) partially purifying the influenza virus in the mixture by one or more physical purification steps; (iii) performing a protease digestion step on the partially purified mixture to digest host proteins; (iv) inactivating the influenza virus; (iv) further purifying the influenza virus by at least one filtration step.

28. A method of manufacturing a vaccine lot or a vaccine kit for protection against influenza virus infection comprising the step of using below 10 .mu.g, or below 8 .mu.g, or from 1-7.5 .mu.g, or from 1-5 .mu.g of egg-derived influenza virus haemagglutinin antigen from a single strain of influenza associated with a pandemic outbreak or having the potential to be associated with a pandemic outbreak in combination with an adjuvant as defined in claim 1.

29. The method according to claim 28 for administration as a single dose or in more than one dose such as two doses.

30. The method of no more than 15 .mu.g, or below 10 .mu.g, or below 8 .mu.g, or from 1-7.5 .mu.g, or from 1-5 .mu.g of egg-derived influenza virus haemagglutinin antigen from a single strain of influenza associated with a pandemic outbreak or having the potential to be associated with a pandemic outbreak, in the manufacture of a two-dose vaccine for simultaneous parenteral and mucosal administration, wherein the haemaggutinin for parenteral administration has been formulated with an adjuvant as defined in claim 1.

31. A monovalent influenza vaccine composition comprising a low amount of influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation from an influenza virus strain that is associated with a pandemic or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic, in combination with an adjuvant, wherein said adjuvant is an oil-in-water emulsion comprising a metabolisable oil, a sterol or a tocopherol, and an emulsifying agent.

32. A composition according to claim 31 wherein said tocopherol is alpha tocopherol.

33. A composition according to claim 31 wherein said metabolisable oil is squalene.

34. A composition according to claim 31 wherein said metabolisable oil is present in an amount of 0.5% to 20% of the total volume of said immunogenic composition.

35. A composition according to claim 31 wherein said metabolisable oil is present in an amount of 1.0% to 10% of the total volume of said immunogenic composition.

36. A composition according to claim 31 wherein said metabolisable oil is present in an amount of 2.0% to 6.0% of the total volume of said immunogenic composition.

37. A composition according to claim 31 wherein said alpha-tocopherol is present in an amount of 1.0% to 20% of the total volume of said immunogenic composition.

38. A composition according to claim 31 wherein said alpha-tocopherol is present in an amount of 1.0% to 5.0% of the total volume of said immunogenic composition.

39. A composition according to claim 31 wherein the ratio of squalene: alpha tocopherol is equal or less than 1.

40. A composition according to claim 31 wherein said emulsifying agent is Tween 80.

41. A composition according to claim 31 wherein said emulsifying agent is present at an amount of 0.01 to 5.0% by weight (w/w) of said immunogenic composition.

42. A composition according to claim 31 wherein said emulsifying agent is present at an amount of 0.1 to 2.0% by weight (w/w) of said immunogenic composition.

43. A composition according to claim 31 wherein said antigen or antigenic composition contains a low amount of haemagglutinin (HA) antigen.

44. A composition according to claim 43 wherein the amount of HA antigen does not exceed 15 .mu.g per dose.

45. A composition according to claim 44 wherein the amount of HA antigen does not exceed 10 .mu.g, or 8 .mu.g, or 4 .mu.g, or 2 .mu.g per dose.

46. A composition according to claim 43 wherein the amount of HA antigen is between 1-7.5 .mu.g, or from 1-5 .mu.g per dose.

47. A composition according to claim 46 wherein the amount of HA antigen contains between 2.5 to 7.5 .mu.g of HA per strain.

48. A composition according to claim 31 wherein said pandemic influenza virus strain is selected from the list consisting of: H5N1, H9N2, H7N7, H2N2 and H1N1.

49. A composition according to claim 48 wherein said pandemic influenza virus strain is selected from the list consisting of: H5N1, H9N2, H7N7, H2N2 and H1N1.

50. A composition according to claim 31, wherein the antigen or antigen composition is in the form of: a purified whole influenza virus, a non-live influenza virus, or sub-unit component(s) of influenza virus.

51. A composition according to claim 50 wherein said non-live influenza virus is a split influenza virus.

52. A composition as claimed in claim 31 wherein said influenza antigen or antigenic composition is derived from cell culture or produced in embryonic eggs.

53. A composition as claimed in claim 31 for use in medicine.

54. A kit comprising a low amount of influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation and an oil-in-water adjuvant as defined in claim 31.

55. A kit according to claim 54 wherein said antigen is HA.

56. A kit according to claim 55 wherein said amount of HA is as defined in claims 14 to 17.

57. A method for the production of an influenza vaccine composition for a pandemic situation or a pre-pandemic situation which method comprises admixing an egg-derived or a cell culture-derived influenza virus antigen from a single influenza virus strain that is associated with a pandemic or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic, with an an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant and providing vaccine lots or vaccine kits which contain no more than 15 .mu.g influenza haemagglutinin antigen per dose.

58. A method as claimed in claim 57 wherein the oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant is as defined in claim 31.

59. A method of manufacturing an immunogenic composition as claimed in claim 31 for inducing at least one of i) an improved CD4 T-cell immune response, ii) an improved B cell memory response, against said virus or antigenic composition in a human, iii) an improved humoral response comprising the step of using (a) a low amount of an influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation thereof from a single strain of influenza associated with a pandemic or having the potential to be associated with a pandemic, and (b) an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant.

60. The method according to claim 59 wherein said CD4 T-cell immune response involves the induction of a cross-reactive CD4 T helper response or the induction of a cross-reactive humoral immune response.

61. The method of (a) a low amount of a pandemic influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation thereof influenza virus haemagglutinin antigen from a single strain of influenza associated with a pandemic or having the potential to be associated with a pandemic, and (b) an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant as defined in claim 31 in the manufacture of a vaccine lot or a vaccine kit for protection against influenza virus infection.

62. The method according to claim 59 wherein said immune response or protection meets all three EU regulatory criteria for influenza vaccine efficacy.

63. The method according to claim 59 wherein said immune response or protection meets is obtained after one or two doses of vaccine.

64. The method according to claim 59 wherein said vaccine is administered parenterally.

65. A method as claimed in claim 57 or use as claimed in any of claims 29 to 34 wherein said HA antigen amount is as defined in claim 44.

66. The method of an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof in the manufacture of an immunogenic composition for revaccination of humans previously vaccinated with an immunogenic composition as claimed in claim 1.

67. The method according to claim 65 wherein the composition used for the revaccination contains an adjuvant.

68. The method according to claim 67 wherein said adjuvant is an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant.

69. The method according to claim 66 wherein said immunogenic composition for revaccination contains an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof which is associated with a pandemic or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic.

70. The method according to claim 69 wherein said pandemic strain is selected from the list consisting of: H5N1, H9N2, H7N7, H2N2 and H1N1.

71. The method according to claim 69 wherein said immunogenic composition for revaccination contains an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof which shares common CD4 T-cell epitopes or common B cell epitopes with the influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof used for the first vaccination.

72. The method according to claim 66 wherein the first vaccination is made with an influenza composition containing an influenza strain that could potentially cause a pandemic outbreak and the re-vaccination is made with an influenza composition containing a circulating pandemic strain.

73. The method of an antigen or antigenic preparation from a first influenza strain in the manufacture of an immunogenic composition as claimed in claim 1 for protection against influenza infections caused by a variant influenza strain.

74. The method according to claim 73 wherein the first influenza strain is associated with a pandemic outbreak or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic outbreak.

75. The method according to claim 73 wherein the variant influenza strain is associated with a pandemic outbreak or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic outbreak.