Safety and Immunogenicity of a Zika Virus DNA Vaccine, VRC-ZKADNA085-00-VP, in Healthy Adults

Abstract

The Zika virus is passed to humans by infected mosquitos. It usually causes fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. Recently, some cases of microcephaly (abnormally small head) were reported in babies born to mothers infected with the Zika virus. Rare cases of a severe nerve weakness called Guillain-Barr(SqrRoot)(Copyright) syndrome were reported in some people with Zika virus infection. There is currently no cure for or vaccine against the infection. VRC-ZKADNA085-00-VP is a new vaccine that instructs the body to make a small amount of Zika virus protein. The body may use this to build an immune response. Objective: To see if VRC-ZKADNA085-00-VP is safe and causes any side effects. Study Design: This is a Phase I/Ib, randomized, multicenter clinical study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of four vaccination regimens against Zika virus (ZIKV) disease. Vaccination regimens with the VRC-ZKADNA085-00-VP (ZIKV DNA) vaccine administered on Day 0 and Week 8 (Group 1); on Day 0 and Week 12 (Group 2); on Day 0, Weeks 4 and 8 (Group 3); and on Day 0, Weeks 4 and 20 (Group 4) will be tested. The primary hypothesis is that the ZIKV DNA vaccine will be safe and well tolerated in healthy adults. A secondary hypothesis is that all vaccine regimens will elicit a ZIKV-specific immune response. The primary objectives are to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the investigational vaccine regimens in healthy adults. Secondary objectives are related to the immunogenicity of the vaccination regimens.