Heplisav-B vaccination for the prevention of hepatitis B virus infection in adults in the United States

Abstract

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections is a worldwide issue that can lead to both acute and chronic complications with increased morbidity and mortality in affected individuals. Current methods of preventing HBV infections primarily include building patient immunity through administration of hepatitis B vaccinations starting at birth. Certain at-risk individuals, including those with occupational exposure to pathogenic bodily fluids, those who are sexually active or intravenous drug users, are recommended to receive some form of hepatitis B vaccination. The current standard of hepatitis B vaccination in the United States is the Engerix-B vaccine, which consists of a three-dose regimen over a 6-month time period. A new hepatitis B vaccine, Heplisav-B, has been approved for adults in the United States and requires only two doses over 1 month. The unique dosing schedule of Heplisav-B provides the potential for increasing patient compliance and therefore can aid in the effort toward protecting individuals from developing an HBV infection. Results from clinical trials showed that Heplisav-B compared favorably with Engerix-B in safety and efficacy profiles. This paper provides a review of the pharmacology, safety, clinical trials and indications for use for the Heplisav-B vaccine in the United States.

Prevention of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

“…HBV vaccination for individuals at risk of contracting HBV infection, including healthcare workers, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, HIV carriers and sex workers, is effective in interrupting horizontal transmission. A new hepatitis B vaccine with simple schedule, only two doses over one month, can increase patient compliance and coverage in adults [53] . In addition, appropriate information to promote safer sex and intention of receiving HBV vaccination also aids in the effort to prevent horizontal HBV transmission.…”

Recent Progress on the Versatility of Virus-Like Particles

“…Hepatitis B virus (HBV), an enveloped DNA virus grouped in the Hepadnaviridae family, is the main causative pathogen of hepatitis B [81]. The infection of HBV can lead to both acute and chronic hepatitis and substantially increase morbidity and mortality rate in the affected individuals [82]. According to epidemiological statistics, two billion people have hepatitis B serological characteristics worldwide, of whom 350 million have chronic hepatitis B [83].…”

“…Moreover, its immunogenicity is higher than that for Engerix-B. Therefore, Heplisav-B is expected to become a new generation of vaccine against HBV infection [49,82].…”

Nucleic acids presenting polymer nanomaterials as vaccine adjuvants

“…It induces a faster, higher and longer seroprotection with fewer immunizations compared to the previous patented vaccine Engerix-B, which contains alum as adjuvant. 77 Furthermore, on-going clinical trials are demonstrating the potential of B-class CpG ODNs as adjuvants in cancer therapeutic vaccines using tumor-associated-antigens such as melanoma associatedpeptides Melan-A/MART1, MAGE-3 and NY-ESO-1. [78][79][80][81] 2.6 TLR agonists as adjuvants: a comparative analysis…”