Conclusion
These data show that hVEGF26-104/RFASE can be safely administered in cynomolgus monkeys, induces the desired immune response and therefore support the clinical development of this vaccine.
Methods
In total 54 cynomolgus monkeys were used and divided in 7 groups. Groups 1-3 were control groups, either receiving PBS alone (group 1), RFASE alone (group 2) or hVEGF26-104 alone (group 3). Animals allocated to groups 4-7 received hVEGF26-104 together with RFASE, but with varying doses of the antigen or the adjuvant. All animals were immunized four times with 2-week intervals and safety and immunogenicity were monitored until 3 days after the final immunization.
Results
Immunization induced an RFASE adjuvant dependent acute phase response. High titers of antibodies against hVEGF26-104 and cross-reactive with hVEGF165, were found in monkey sera, 28 days after primer immunization. These antibodies were able to inhibit the binding of the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab with hVEGF165 in a competition ELISA. Moreover, the biological activity of hVEGF165 could be inhibited by the addition of immunized monkey serum in a VEGF specific bioassay. Importantly, no adverse events commonly observed with VEGF neutralization were observed throughout the study.