Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Immunogenicity of Chikungunya Vaccine

This is an open label phase I study for assessing the safety, tolerance and immunogenicity of 3 escalated doses of the test vaccine, BBV87. The study design has four treatment groups - 3 test groups and a control placebo group with 15 subjects in each group. However, the groups will be divided into three study arms: each arm will have 15 subjects of the test vaccine group and 5 subjects of the placebo group. The randomization will be done in a way that allots 5 subjects of the placebo group to each test dose group. All subjects will be screened (via medical history, physical examination and laboratory investigations) to establish the eligibility criteria. This includes negative antibodies, CHIKV IgG, by ELISA method. The test vaccine and placebo will be administered as 3 doses at 28 days interval on day 1±2, 29±2, and 57±2. Vaccine administration will be performed as an in-patient procedure. Subjects will be admitted in CPU 24 hrs prior to vaccine administration, and will be shifted to MICU for vaccination and observed for 48 hrs; and will be discharged upon completion of all clinical monitoring procedures. Laboratory and biochemical tests will be performed as part of clinical monitoring before discharge, and 24 hrs after vaccine administration. Following vaccination, all participants will be monitored throughout the study period for adverse events with daily telephone contacts (for 7 days after each vaccine, and then weekly), interim clinic visits, subject diary cards, and haematological & biochemical laboratory tests.

Inclusion criteria

• ≥18 and ≤50 yrs inclusive on the day of screening
• Able and willing to complete informed consent process with understanding of the purpose and procedures of the study
• Medical history and physical examination without clinically significant findings at the time of screening
• Haematological and biochemical values either within institutional normal range and accompanied by physician approval
• Agree to keep a daily record of symptoms for the duration of the study
• Available for clinical follow-up throughout the study period via telephone contact as well as clinic visits

Female specific criteria:

• If female of child bearing potential- have a negative urine pregnancy test result within 24 hrs of the scheduled first vaccination

Exclusion criteria

Female specific criteria:

• Woman who is breast feeding or planning to become pregnant during the study period.

General Criteria:

• History of suspected or confirmed Chikungunya fever

(Case definition for Suspected Chikungunya: A subject meeting both the clinical and epidemiological criteria.

• Clinical criteria: acute onset of fever >38.5°C and severe arthralgia/arthritis not explained by other medical conditions.
• Epidemiological criteria: residing or having visited epidemic areas, having reported transmission within 15 days prior to the onset of symptoms.

Case definition for Confirmed Chikungunya:

A subject meeting the laboratory criteria of positive ELISA test for CHIKV IgG.)

• Clinically significant abnormal clinical laboratory values including blood pressure(>140 mmHg systolic and >90 mmHg diastolic) when 3 measurements are taken 30 min apart , in seating position and at rest
• Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 [BMI will be calculated as weight in Kilograms/(height in metres)2]
• Test positive for HIV or Hepatitis B infection
• History of cardiovascular disease
• History of immune deficiency or autoimmune disease
• Have active or history of arthritis (joint swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth or erythema) within the last 6 months from date of screening
• Have an active or history of malignant conditions including haematological malignancy
• Have a history of degenerative neurological disease (e.g. GuillainBarre Syndrome, multiple sclerosis)
• Have received any vaccination within 4 weeks prior to the vaccination in this study
• Have received blood transfusion or immunoglobulin within 30 days prior to vaccination in this study
• Have a history of serious reactions to any vaccines that preclude receipt of study vaccinations as determined by the investigator
• Have asthma that is unstable or required emergent care, urgent care, hospitalization or intubation during the past two years or that is expected to require the use of oral or intravenous corticosteroids
• Have diabetes mellitus (type I or II), with the exception of history of gestational diabetes
• Have received any investigational drug in 6 weeks prior to screening
• Is currently participating in any form of clinical trial that involves intervention.
• Is likely to participate in any other clinical trial during the study period.