Acambis Begins Phase II Trial of Smallpox Vaccine

The U.S.-U.K. pharmaceutical company Acambis earlier this month began a phase II trial of its experimental MVA 3000 smallpox vaccine (see GSN, May 6).

The trial will test the safety and production of immunity of three different dose levels of the drug, the company said in a press release. Results will enable Acambis and partner Baxter Healthcare SA to choose a dose of the vaccine for continued clinical testing.

The trial will involve 700 volunteers at 10 U.S. locations, the company said.

The modified virus Ankara vaccine would be used for people who could suffer reactions to the existing vaccine.  That includes patients with suppressed immune systems or those with the skin condition eczema (Acambis release, July 14).

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