From 10-12 May 2022, the Kick-off Meeting (KoM) of the MTBVAC phase III clinical trial EDCTP co-funded project was held in Baiona, Spain.
With the only licensed TB vaccine, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), having limited impact on prevention of TB disease and transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, there is an urgent need for a new, improved TB vaccine. MTBVAC is a live attenuated M. tuberculosis-based vaccine with two major virulence factors removed, which is currently entering a randomised, double-blinded, active BCG-controlled phase III clinical trial. This study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of MTBVAC administered by intradermal route in 7120 healthy, BCG-naïve, HIV-uninfected newborns born to HIV-uninfected mothers and HIV-infected mothers without known exposure to close/household TB contacts.
For three days, members of the MTBVACN3 consortium had the opportunity to get to know each other and discuss the details of this study. The design of this project was outlined, including an update on the work done so far and a description of the trial endpoints and safety considerations. This general overview provided the frame to further discuss the protocol parameters, including the statistical design, procedures, timelines, and logistics involving vaccine distribution and sample management. In two dedicated break-out sessions the participants put together and discussed the most urgent and important risk issues and a management plan and shared their expertise with community engagement. Both sessions strongly underlined the importance of efficient exchange of knowledge and being optimally prepared well in advance to ensure successful performance and completion of this study.
The team is excited to enter this important next phase!