Vaccines for Respiratory Infections in Children

This trial tests the safety of two new vaccines for respiratory infections in children. These vaccines, named B/HPIV3/HMPV-F-B365 and B/HPIV3/HMPV-PreF-A, target viruses that can cause breathing issues, especially in children who have previously had such infections. Participants will receive either one of the vaccines or a placebo (a harmless substitute) without knowing which they received. Children with past respiratory infections and antibodies for these viruses might be suitable candidates. The study routine includes daily temperature checks, regular check-ins, and a few clinic visits. As a Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the chance to be among the first to receive these new vaccines.

The trial requires stopping certain medications before and after enrollment. You must avoid certain vaccines, salicylate products, and specific medications like antibiotics and antivirals for a set period before and after the trial. However, some medications like nutritional supplements and topical treatments are allowed.

Earlier studies have shown that the B/HPIV3/HMPV-F-B365 vaccine targets specific respiratory viruses, potentially helping to protect against infections. The B/HPIV3/HMPV-PreF-A vaccine also did not raise major safety concerns in children who received it. For both vaccines, researchers reported no serious side effects in the children studied, indicating they were generally well-tolerated.

Researchers are excited about these vaccines for respiratory infections in children because they introduce a novel approach to prevention. Unlike traditional vaccines that may require injections, both the B/HPIV3/HMPV-F-B365 and B/HPIV3/HMPV-PreF-A vaccines are administered intranasally with the Vax300 VaxINator atomization device, making them potentially more comfortable and easier to administer, especially for kids. Additionally, these vaccines target multiple respiratory viruses at once, which could offer broader protection compared to current vaccines that typically focus on a single virus. This innovative delivery method and the multi-targeted approach hold promise for enhancing the effectiveness and convenience of respiratory infection prevention in children.

This trial will compare the B/HPIV3/HMPV-F-B365 vaccine and the B/HPIV3/HMPV-PreF-A vaccine, both designed to combat specific viruses that cause breathing problems in children. Participants will receive one of these vaccines or a placebo. Research has shown that these vaccines boost the immune system to better defend against HPIV3 and HMPV, which often lead to respiratory infections. Earlier studies with similar vaccines demonstrated that they can help protect against these infections by enhancing the body's natural defenses. Early results suggest these vaccines might provide more specific protection than general treatments. Although the data remains in the early stages, the vaccines have shown promise in preventing these viral infections in young children.¹²³⁶⁷