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New Smallpox Vaccine Safe for HIV Patients

By Amesh Adalja, November 24, 2008

On November 5, 2008, the Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic reported that its new smallpox vaccine, Imvamune, is safe for use in patients infected with HIV.¹ The vaccine utilizes a modified strain of the vaccinia virus (Ankara) that is unable to replicate in humans. Imvamune could be utilized for the estimated 10 million Americans with weakened immune systems who are more susceptible to adverse events when vaccinated with the currently licensed vaccine ACAM2000.² HHS awarded Bavarian Nordic a $500 million contract to supply 20 million doses of Imvamune. More complete data from trials in wider population groups are slated to be released in the second half of 2009.²

References

1. Bavarian Nordic reports successful safety data from Phase II study with IMVAMUNE® [news release]. Kvitsgard, Denmark: Bavarian Nordic; November 5, 2008. http://www.bavarian-nordic.com/22-08_UK. Accessed November 18, 2008.
2. Firm says weakened smallpox vaccine has good safety profile. CIDRAP News. November 14, 2008. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/bt/smallpox/news/nov1408smallpox-br.html. Accessed November 18, 2008.