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Optimization of Controlled Human Malarial Infection by Injection of P. Falciparum Sporozoites in Non-Immune Adults

Primary Purpose

Malaria

Status
Completed
Phase
Phase 1
Locations
Spain
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
PfSPZ Challenge
Sponsored by
Sanaria Inc.
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional diagnostic trial for Malaria focused on measuring Malaria, Plasmodium falciparum

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - 45 Years (Adult)All SexesAccepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Healthy adults aged 18 to 45 years
  • Able and willing (in the Investigator's opinion) to comply with all study requirements
  • Women only: must agree to practice continuous effective contraception for the duration of the study (such as hormonal contraceptives, condom or intrauterine device (IUD)).
  • Agreement to refrain from blood donation in Spain during the course of the study and thereafter
  • Agree not to participate in another study with an investigational product during the course of this study
  • Written informed consent to undergo CHMI
  • Reachable (24/7) by mobile phone during the whole study period
  • Willingness to take a curative anti-malarial regimen
  • Agreement to stay overnight for observation during the period of intensive follow-up post-challenge if required
  • Answer all questions on the informed consent quiz correctly
  • A body mass index < 35

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of P. falciparum malaria
  • Travel to malaria endemic region before the participation in the study with positive P. falciparum serology at screening.
  • Use of systemic antibiotics with known antimalarial activity within 30 days of study enrolment (e.g. trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, tetracycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, fluoroquinolones, or azithromycin)
  • Is using and intends to continuing using a medication known to cause drug reactions with chloroquine or Malarone®, such as cimetidine, metoclopramide, antacids or kaolin (antacids and kaolin can be administered at least 4 hours from intake of chloroquine)
  • Receipt of an investigational product in the 30 days preceding enrolment, or planned receipt during the study period
  • Prior receipt of an investigational malaria vaccine
  • Any confirmed or suspected immunosuppressive or immunodeficient state, including HIV infection, asplenia, recurrent, severe infections and chronic (more than 14 days) immunosuppressant medication within the past 6 months (inhaled and topical steroids are allowed)
  • Use of immunoglobulins or blood products within 3 months prior to enrolment
  • Presence of sickle cell anemia, sickle cell trait, thalassemia or thalassemia trait
  • Pregnancy, lactation or intention to become pregnant during the study
  • A history of allergic disease or reactions likely to be exacerbated by malaria
  • Contraindications or known allergy to the first-line anti-malarial medications: chloroquine, atovaquone/proguanil and artemether/lumefantrine.
  • History of cancer (except successfully treated and cured basal cell carcinoma of the skin and cervical carcinoma in situ)
  • History of serious psychiatric condition that may affect participation in the study
  • Any other serious chronic illness requiring hospital specialist supervision
  • Suspected or known current alcohol abuse as defined by an alcohol intake of greater than 30g (men) or 20g (women) per day
  • Suspected or known injecting drug abuse in the 5 years preceding enrolment
  • Seropositive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
  • Seropositive for hepatitis C virus (antibodies to HCV)
  • An estimated, ten year risk of fatal cardiovascular disease of ≥5%, as estimated by the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) system [42]
  • Abnormal electrocardiogram on screening: pathologic Q wave and significant ST-T wave changes, left ventricular hypertrophy, non-sinus rhythm except isolated premature atrial contractions, right or left bundle branch block, advanced A-V heart block (secondary or tertiary)
  • Volunteers unable to be closely followed for social, geographic or psychological reasons
  • Any clinically significant abnormal finding on biochemistry or haematology blood tests, urinalysis or clinical examination
  • Any other significant disease, disorder or finding which, in the opinion of the Investigator, may significantly increase the risk to the volunteer because of participation in the study, affect the ability of the volunteer to participate in the study or impair interpretation of the study data

Sites / Locations

  • Centre d'Investigació del Medicament Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
  • CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm 3

Arm 4

Arm 5

Arm 6

Arm Type

Experimental

Experimental

Experimental

Experimental

Experimental

Experimental

Arm Label

Grp 1-10ul x 2; 2,500 PfSPZ Challenge-Part A

Grp 2-50ul x 2; 2,500 PfSPZ Challenge-Part A

Grp 3-250ul x 2; 2,500 PfSPZ Challenge-Part A

Grp 4-50ul x 2; 25,000 PfSPZ Challenge, Part B

Grp 5-Optimal vol Part A x 2; 25,000 PfSPZ Challenge, Part B

Grp 6-Optimal vol Part A x 2; 125,000* PfSPZ Challenge, Part B

Arm Description

PART A: Group 1 (n=6): 2,500 PfSPZ administered IM in a volume of 10 µL in 2 sites (one injection of 10µL containing 1,250 PfSPZ in each deltoid).

PART A: Group 2 (n=6): 2,500 PfSPZ administered IM in a volume of 50 µL in 2 sites (one injection of 50µL containing 1,250 PfSPZ in each deltoid).

PART A: Group 3 (n=6): 2,500 PfSPZ administered IM in a volume of 250 µL in 2 sites (one injection of 250 µL containing 1,250 PfSPZ in each deltoid).

PART B: BEGINS AFTER COMPLETION OF PART A Group 4 (n=6) (control group) 25,000 PfSPZ administered IM in a volume of 50 µL in 2 sites (one injection of 50 µL containing 12,500 PfSPZ in each deltoid).

PART B: BEGINS AFTER COMPLETION OF PART A Group 5 (n=6) 25,000 PfSPZ administered IM in the optimum volume determined in Part A in 2 sites (one injection of the optimum volume containing 12,500 PfSPZ in each deltoid). If the optimal volume in Part A is 50µL, then Group 5 will be modified to avoid duplication of regimens between groups 4 and 5. In this case, volunteers in group 5 will be administered a dose of 25,000 PfSPZ administered intradermally in four 10 µL injections. (Every volunteer will receive 4 ID injections of 6,250 PfSPZ in a volume of 10 µL each, with 2 injections in each arm respectively).

PART B: BEGINS AFTER COMPLETION OF PART A Group 6 (n=6) 125,000 PfSPZ administered IM in the optimum volume determined in Part A in 2 sites (one injection of the optimum volume containing 62,500 PfSPZ in each deltoid) if the volume is 50 µL or 250 µL. *If the optimal volume in Part A is 10 µL, then Group 6 will receive 100,000 PfSPZ (2 inoculations of 50,000 PfSPZ) instead of 125,000 PfSPZ.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Infectivity of the administration regimens
For each trial stage (A and B) the infectivity of the three administration regimens will be assessed by thick film microscopy and q-PCR for P. falciparum DNA. The time from parasite inoculation to first detection of blood stage parasitemia will be assessed by thick blood film microscopy.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Safety of PfSPZ Challenge
The safety of PfSPZ Challenge and the resultant P. falciparum infection will be assessed by analysing actively and passively collected data from clinical review of volunteers and laboratory measurements.

Full Information

First Posted
January 8, 2013
Last Updated
March 31, 2016
Sponsor
Sanaria Inc.
Collaborators
Barcelona Centre for International Health Research
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT01771848
Brief Title
Optimization of Controlled Human Malarial Infection by Injection of P. Falciparum Sporozoites in Non-Immune Adults
Official Title
A Study to Optimize Controlled Human Malarial Infection by Injection of Plasmodium Falciparum Sporozoites in Non-Immune Adults
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
March 2016
Overall Recruitment Status
Completed
Study Start Date
December 2012 (undefined)
Primary Completion Date
May 2013 (Actual)
Study Completion Date
July 2013 (Actual)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor
Name of the Sponsor
Sanaria Inc.
Collaborators
Barcelona Centre for International Health Research

4. Oversight

Data Monitoring Committee
Yes

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
The study is designed to establish the best dose to safely infect healthy individuals with Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites (PfSPZ) by injection. The goal of this study is to achieve infections in human volunteers with infection rates of 100% and pre-patent periods of less than 12 days.
Detailed Description
This is an single center,open label, escalated and controlled human pilot study to optimize CHMI (controlled human malaria infection) administered by PfSPZ Challenge. The study was designed with an escalated dosing design in order to answer two questions: Does altering the volume of administration, alter infectivity of PfSPZ Challenge administered IM (intramuscular)? By varying the volume of inoculation of the 2,500 dose of PfSPZ administered IM we try to increase infection rates and decrease pre-patent period (Part A). When administered in the optimum volume determined in Part A, does increasing the dose increase the infectivity and decrease the pre-patent period of PfSPZ Challenge? By increasing the dose of PfSPZ we try to decrease the pre-patent period at the higher dose (Part B). Besides increasing the infectivity rate, we aim to reduce the pre-patent period to ~11 days. In Part A of the trial, the volume of inoculation will vary in order to identify the optimal volume needed for a dose of 2,500 PfSPZ to induce the greatest infection rate (defined as highest percentage of infected volunteers and shortest pre-patent period.) The outcome variables of part A are: Number of volunteers infected per group. Pre-patent period by thick blood smear in individuals in each group. Pre-patent period by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in individuals in each group. Parasite density when parasites first detected by thick blood smear and qPCR. Peak parasite density during the first 48 hours after first detection by qPCR. During Part A, an interim analysis will be performed in order to determine the optimal volume of inoculation that will be used during Part B. The variables that will be taken into account for this interim analysis will be: 1) number of volunteers infected per group and 2) pre-patent period by thick blood smear in individuals in each group. Part B will assess the effect of the optimal volume of inoculation determined in part A when administered with different PfSPZ doses, compared to the dose of 25,000 PfSPZ in 50 µL However, i) If the optimal volume in Part A is 10 µL, then Group 6 will receive 100,000 PfSPZ (2 inoculations of 50,000 PfSPZ) instead of 125,000 PfSPZ, as the PfSPZs are vialed at 100,000 PfSPZ in 20 µL. ii) If the optimal volume in Part A is 50µL, then Group 5 will be modified to avoid duplication of regimens between groups 4 and 5. In this case, volunteers in group 5 will be administered a dose of 25,000 PfSPZ administered ID (intradermal) in four 10 µL injections. (Every volunteer will receive 4 ID injections of 6,250 PfSPZ in a volume of 10 µL each, with 2 injections in each arm respectively). The outcome variables in this part of the study are: Number of volunteers infected per group. Pre-patent period by thick blood smear in individuals in each group. Pre-patent period by qPCR in individuals in each group. Parasite density when parasites first detected by qPCR. Peak parasite density during the first 48 hours after first detection by qPCR. Estimated number (±95% confidence interval) of liver stage schizonts per volunteer and mean (±95% confidence interval) for each group. All volunteers recruited will be healthy adults aged between 18 and 45 years. Safety and infectivity data will be collected for each of the regimens and dose-levels. Volunteers and clinical investigators will not be blinded to group allocation, however laboratory investigators processing blood films and samples for qPCR analysis will be blinded to group allocation.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Malaria
Keywords
Malaria, Plasmodium falciparum

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Diagnostic
Study Phase
Phase 1
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Masking
Outcomes Assessor
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
36 (Actual)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Grp 1-10ul x 2; 2,500 PfSPZ Challenge-Part A
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
PART A: Group 1 (n=6): 2,500 PfSPZ administered IM in a volume of 10 µL in 2 sites (one injection of 10µL containing 1,250 PfSPZ in each deltoid).
Arm Title
Grp 2-50ul x 2; 2,500 PfSPZ Challenge-Part A
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
PART A: Group 2 (n=6): 2,500 PfSPZ administered IM in a volume of 50 µL in 2 sites (one injection of 50µL containing 1,250 PfSPZ in each deltoid).
Arm Title
Grp 3-250ul x 2; 2,500 PfSPZ Challenge-Part A
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
PART A: Group 3 (n=6): 2,500 PfSPZ administered IM in a volume of 250 µL in 2 sites (one injection of 250 µL containing 1,250 PfSPZ in each deltoid).
Arm Title
Grp 4-50ul x 2; 25,000 PfSPZ Challenge, Part B
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
PART B: BEGINS AFTER COMPLETION OF PART A Group 4 (n=6) (control group) 25,000 PfSPZ administered IM in a volume of 50 µL in 2 sites (one injection of 50 µL containing 12,500 PfSPZ in each deltoid).
Arm Title
Grp 5-Optimal vol Part A x 2; 25,000 PfSPZ Challenge, Part B
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
PART B: BEGINS AFTER COMPLETION OF PART A Group 5 (n=6) 25,000 PfSPZ administered IM in the optimum volume determined in Part A in 2 sites (one injection of the optimum volume containing 12,500 PfSPZ in each deltoid). If the optimal volume in Part A is 50µL, then Group 5 will be modified to avoid duplication of regimens between groups 4 and 5. In this case, volunteers in group 5 will be administered a dose of 25,000 PfSPZ administered intradermally in four 10 µL injections. (Every volunteer will receive 4 ID injections of 6,250 PfSPZ in a volume of 10 µL each, with 2 injections in each arm respectively).
Arm Title
Grp 6-Optimal vol Part A x 2; 125,000* PfSPZ Challenge, Part B
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
PART B: BEGINS AFTER COMPLETION OF PART A Group 6 (n=6) 125,000 PfSPZ administered IM in the optimum volume determined in Part A in 2 sites (one injection of the optimum volume containing 62,500 PfSPZ in each deltoid) if the volume is 50 µL or 250 µL. *If the optimal volume in Part A is 10 µL, then Group 6 will receive 100,000 PfSPZ (2 inoculations of 50,000 PfSPZ) instead of 125,000 PfSPZ.
Intervention Type
Biological
Intervention Name(s)
PfSPZ Challenge
Intervention Description
Aseptic, purified, vialed, cryopreserved fully infectious NF54 P. falciparum sporozoites
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Infectivity of the administration regimens
Description
For each trial stage (A and B) the infectivity of the three administration regimens will be assessed by thick film microscopy and q-PCR for P. falciparum DNA. The time from parasite inoculation to first detection of blood stage parasitemia will be assessed by thick blood film microscopy.
Time Frame
Study day 6 to day 90 post challenge
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Safety of PfSPZ Challenge
Description
The safety of PfSPZ Challenge and the resultant P. falciparum infection will be assessed by analysing actively and passively collected data from clinical review of volunteers and laboratory measurements.
Time Frame
All study visits until day 90 post challenge
Other Pre-specified Outcome Measures:
Title
Parasite multiplication rates using qPCR for P. falciparum DNA
Description
The dynamics of P. falciparum parasite growth following administration of PfSPZ Challenge is assessed by analyzing parasite multiplication rates using qPCR for P. falciparum DNA. Measurements will be used to model parasite kinetics and to estimate the number of infected liver cells. A mathematical model will also be built to describe infection dynamics, parasite distribution, circulation time and parasite turn-over
Time Frame
Samples taken at pre-determined timepoints upto 8 months
Title
Cellular and humoral immune responses against parasites
Description
Cellular and humoral immune responses against parasites are assessed by transcriptional RNA analysis, multiparameter flow cytometry, ELIspot, luminex assays, protein arrays, IFA, and ELISA.
Time Frame
Samples taken at pre-determined timepoints upto 8 months
Title
Stage specific expression patterns of parasite genes
Description
Stage specific expression patterns of parasite genes is assessed by RNA quantification using reverse transcriptase PCR (rtPCR) and transcriptional profiling on microarray and sequencing platforms,specifically, the presence of mRNA transcripts specific of gametocytes, the pattern of variant gene transcription and adhesion, and the expression of merozoite invasion genes/proteins.
Time Frame
Samples taken at pre-determined timepoints upto 8 months

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
45 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Healthy adults aged 18 to 45 years Able and willing (in the Investigator's opinion) to comply with all study requirements Women only: must agree to practice continuous effective contraception for the duration of the study (such as hormonal contraceptives, condom or intrauterine device (IUD)). Agreement to refrain from blood donation in Spain during the course of the study and thereafter Agree not to participate in another study with an investigational product during the course of this study Written informed consent to undergo CHMI Reachable (24/7) by mobile phone during the whole study period Willingness to take a curative anti-malarial regimen Agreement to stay overnight for observation during the period of intensive follow-up post-challenge if required Answer all questions on the informed consent quiz correctly A body mass index < 35 Exclusion Criteria: History of P. falciparum malaria Travel to malaria endemic region before the participation in the study with positive P. falciparum serology at screening. Use of systemic antibiotics with known antimalarial activity within 30 days of study enrolment (e.g. trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, tetracycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, fluoroquinolones, or azithromycin) Is using and intends to continuing using a medication known to cause drug reactions with chloroquine or Malarone®, such as cimetidine, metoclopramide, antacids or kaolin (antacids and kaolin can be administered at least 4 hours from intake of chloroquine) Receipt of an investigational product in the 30 days preceding enrolment, or planned receipt during the study period Prior receipt of an investigational malaria vaccine Any confirmed or suspected immunosuppressive or immunodeficient state, including HIV infection, asplenia, recurrent, severe infections and chronic (more than 14 days) immunosuppressant medication within the past 6 months (inhaled and topical steroids are allowed) Use of immunoglobulins or blood products within 3 months prior to enrolment Presence of sickle cell anemia, sickle cell trait, thalassemia or thalassemia trait Pregnancy, lactation or intention to become pregnant during the study A history of allergic disease or reactions likely to be exacerbated by malaria Contraindications or known allergy to the first-line anti-malarial medications: chloroquine, atovaquone/proguanil and artemether/lumefantrine. History of cancer (except successfully treated and cured basal cell carcinoma of the skin and cervical carcinoma in situ) History of serious psychiatric condition that may affect participation in the study Any other serious chronic illness requiring hospital specialist supervision Suspected or known current alcohol abuse as defined by an alcohol intake of greater than 30g (men) or 20g (women) per day Suspected or known injecting drug abuse in the 5 years preceding enrolment Seropositive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Seropositive for hepatitis C virus (antibodies to HCV) An estimated, ten year risk of fatal cardiovascular disease of ≥5%, as estimated by the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) system [42] Abnormal electrocardiogram on screening: pathologic Q wave and significant ST-T wave changes, left ventricular hypertrophy, non-sinus rhythm except isolated premature atrial contractions, right or left bundle branch block, advanced A-V heart block (secondary or tertiary) Volunteers unable to be closely followed for social, geographic or psychological reasons Any clinically significant abnormal finding on biochemistry or haematology blood tests, urinalysis or clinical examination Any other significant disease, disorder or finding which, in the opinion of the Investigator, may significantly increase the risk to the volunteer because of participation in the study, affect the ability of the volunteer to participate in the study or impair interpretation of the study data
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Pedro L Alonso, MD, Ph.D.
Organizational Affiliation
Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Centre d'Investigació del Medicament Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
City
Barcelona
ZIP/Postal Code
08025
Country
Spain
Facility Name
CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona
City
Barcelona
ZIP/Postal Code
08036
Country
Spain

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Citations:
PubMed Identifier
25889522
Citation
Mordmuller B, Supan C, Sim KL, Gomez-Perez GP, Ospina Salazar CL, Held J, Bolte S, Esen M, Tschan S, Joanny F, Lamsfus Calle C, Lohr SJ, Lalremruata A, Gunasekera A, James ER, Billingsley PF, Richman A, Chakravarty S, Legarda A, Munoz J, Antonijoan RM, Ballester MR, Hoffman SL, Alonso PL, Kremsner PG. Direct venous inoculation of Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites for controlled human malaria infection: a dose-finding trial in two centres. Malar J. 2015 Mar 18;14:117. doi: 10.1186/s12936-015-0628-0.
Results Reference
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PubMed Identifier
25070995
Citation
Shekalaghe S, Rutaihwa M, Billingsley PF, Chemba M, Daubenberger CA, James ER, Mpina M, Ali Juma O, Schindler T, Huber E, Gunasekera A, Manoj A, Simon B, Saverino E, Church LWP, Hermsen CC, Sauerwein RW, Plowe C, Venkatesan M, Sasi P, Lweno O, Mutani P, Hamad A, Mohammed A, Urassa A, Mzee T, Padilla D, Ruben A, Sim BKL, Tanner M, Abdulla S, Hoffman SL. Controlled human malaria infection of Tanzanians by intradermal injection of aseptic, purified, cryopreserved Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2014 Sep;91(3):471-480. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0119. Epub 2014 Jul 28.
Results Reference
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PubMed Identifier
23149582
Citation
Roestenberg M, Bijker EM, Sim BKL, Billingsley PF, James ER, Bastiaens GJH, Teirlinck AC, Scholzen A, Teelen K, Arens T, van der Ven AJAM, Gunasekera A, Chakravarty S, Velmurugan S, Hermsen CC, Sauerwein RW, Hoffman SL. Controlled human malaria infections by intradermal injection of cryopreserved Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Jan;88(1):5-13. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.12-0613. Epub 2012 Nov 13.
Results Reference
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PubMed Identifier
23823332
Citation
Sheehy SH, Spencer AJ, Douglas AD, Sim BK, Longley RJ, Edwards NJ, Poulton ID, Kimani D, Williams AR, Anagnostou NA, Roberts R, Kerridge S, Voysey M, James ER, Billingsley PF, Gunasekera A, Lawrie AM, Hoffman SL, Hill AV. Optimising Controlled Human Malaria Infection Studies Using Cryopreserved P. falciparum Parasites Administered by Needle and Syringe. PLoS One. 2013 Jun 18;8(6):e65960. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065960. Print 2013.
Results Reference
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PubMed Identifier
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Citation
Gomez-Perez GP, Legarda A, Munoz J, Sim BK, Ballester MR, Dobano C, Moncunill G, Campo JJ, Cistero P, Jimenez A, Barrios D, Mordmuller B, Pardos J, Navarro M, Zita CJ, Nhamuave CA, Garcia-Basteiro AL, Sanz A, Aldea M, Manoj A, Gunasekera A, Billingsley PF, Aponte JJ, James ER, Guinovart C, Antonijoan RM, Kremsner PG, Hoffman SL, Alonso PL. Controlled human malaria infection by intramuscular and direct venous inoculation of cryopreserved Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites in malaria-naive volunteers: effect of injection volume and dose on infectivity rates. Malar J. 2015 Aug 7;14:306. doi: 10.1186/s12936-015-0817-x.
Results Reference
result

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Optimization of Controlled Human Malarial Infection by Injection of P. Falciparum Sporozoites in Non-Immune Adults

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