About

Brief study summary

The main goal of the VAX-31 Clinical Trials is to determine how well a pneumococcal vaccine candidate may protect adults from disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

 

Study background

Streptococcus pneumoniae, or “Pneumo,” is a germ that can cause illnesses ranging from sinus infections to pneumonia and blood infections. Native American adults are disproportionately affected by serious Pneumo disease. Although several safe and effective licensed vaccines, such as Prevnar20 (PCV20) and Capvaxive (PCV21), protect against some strains, other strains are present on Navajo Nation and White Mountain Apache Tribal lands and are causing illness in some adults. A vaccine called VAX-31, which was developed to protect against more strains of Pneumo, may offer enhanced protection.

 

What are we doing?

The research included two related study groups to evaluate VAX-31 in adults with different pneumococcal vaccination histories. VAX31-103 enrolled healthy adults ages 18 and older who had not previously received a pneumococcal vaccine. VAX-31-105 enrolled adults ages 50 and older who had received a pneumococcal vaccine more than one year before joining the study. After informed consent and eligibility screening, participants were randomly assigned to receive either the investigational vaccine (VAX-31) or a currently licensed pneumococcal vaccine. Blood samples were collected to measure immune responses, and participants reported any short-term side effects after vaccination. They were followed for six months to monitor safety.

 

How will this help improve health in your community?

If licensed and recommended, VAX-31 could provide broader protection against pneumococcal disease, including strains affecting Native American adults. This may help reduce serious illness and improve health outcomes locally and nationwide.

 

Principal Investigator/Program Coordinator information

Laura Hammitt lhammitt@jhu.edu

 

Additional Information

VAX31-103 ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07284654

VAX31-105 ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07425392