DPX-RSV or DPX-RSV(A) is a DPX-based vaccine candidate targeting the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) strain A. The DPX platform is formulated with the SHe peptide of group A RSV. The small hydrophobic glycoprotein (SH) of RSV is a type II transmembrane protein that forms pentameric transmembrane pores in infected cells. It functions as a viral ion channel and might impact viral fusion.1
RSV is the leading cause of early childhood bronchiolitis and pneumonia worldwide and results in significant hospitalizations in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. To date, no prophylactic RSV vaccine has been approved for clinical use and there is an increasing recognition of the unmet medical need for an effective RSV vaccine for older persons.2
IMV conducted a phase 1 clinical study has been conducted in Canada in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The study was conducted in healthy adults and a DPX-RSV candidate was developed to protect the elderly population from infection. The
results of this phase 1 study, completed in 2017, outlined that more than nine months after the last vaccination, 15 of 16 participants (93%) who received DPX-RSV demonstrated antigen-specific immune responses. DPX-RSV had a good safety profile and was well tolerated with no SAEs. One dose was tested out to one year and 100% of older adults (7/7 immune responders) maintained antigen-specific immune responses one year after receiving the booster dose. After one year, their antibody levels measured were still at peak with no sign of decrease. IMV is seeking a partner to continue the development of this product.
1 Gan SW, J Biol Chem, 2012
2 Falsey AR et al. Med Mal Infect. 2005
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated RSV a high priority vaccine target.