Medicago Commences Phase 2 Clinical Testing of its Avian Influenza Vaccine

Medicago Inc. (Quebec City, Canada) a biotechnology company focused on developing vaccines based on proprietary manufacturing technologies and virus-like particles (VLPs), has received clearance from Health Canada to commence a Phase 2 human clinical trial for its H5N1 avian influenza vaccine. Enrolment of volunteers is now underway.

The Phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of different doses of its H5N1 vaccine. Specifically, the vaccine will be studied in approximately 255 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 60 years. In the first part of the study, healthy adults will receive an injection of either a placebo or the H5N1 vaccine at varying doses to determine the optimal dose. In the second part of the study, healthy adults will receive an injection of either a placebo or the H5N1 vaccine at the optimal dose. Interim-results of this study are expected in less than three months.