Zika Virus vaccine shows significantly higher immune response with Needle-free delivery

GOLDEN, Colo. — Jan. 9, 2018 — PharmaJet, the maker of innovative, needle-free injection technology announced that a recently published study in The Lancet demonstrated that delivery of a Zika virus vaccine with the PharmaJet Stratis® Needle-free Jet injector produced a significantly higher immune response, as compared with administration via needle and syringe. Multiple studies have shown that Needle-free injectors augment DNA vaccine response, possibly by increased dispersion of injectate or through tissue disruption that increases immunogenicity.(1) The GMT after split-dose needle-free delivery of VRC5283 was six times higher than single-dose delivery via needle and syringe.

Over 700,000 cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in the Americas since 2015.(2) The emergence of Zika virus has challenged the scientific community to address a relatively uncharacterized pathogen posing a substantial threat to international public health. The two DNA vaccines assessed in this study were safe and well tolerated, and both were immunogenic. However, the greatest effects were seen with VRC5283 given in split doses via needle-free injection in the VRC 320 trial. One hundred percent (100%) of participants who received the vaccine by needle-free injection in split doses had detectable antibody responses, produced neutralizing antibodies, and had the highest T-cell responses.

“We are pleased that the PharmaJet device boosted immunogenicity in this Zika virus vaccine clinical trial and we look forward to participating in the next stage of development,” said Ron Lowy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, PharmaJet Inc.

Refer to Instructions for Use to ensure safe injections and to review risks.
Graham BS, Enama ME, Nason MC, et al. DNA vaccine delivered by a needle-free injection device improves potency of priming for antibody and CD8+ T-cell responses after rAd5 boost in a randomized clinical trial. PLoS One 2013; 8: e59340.
Ikejezie J. Shapiro CN, Kim J. et al. Zika virus transmission – region of the Americas, May 15, 2015 – December 15, 2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017; 66: 329 – 34.

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