Clinical experience with DTPw-HBV and DTPw-HBV/Hib combination vaccines.

BACKGROUND

Combined diphtheria-tetanus-whole-cell pertussis (DTPw) vaccines remain the cornerstone of many childhood vaccination programs. Larger DTPw-based combination vaccines facilitate high coverage and protection against other childhood pathogens, such as hepatitis B (HBV) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Such vaccines have been available since the mid-1990s (Tritanrix-HBV and Tritanrix-HBV/Hib; GlaxoSmithKline [GSK] Biologicals), demonstrating excellent immunogenicity in various schedules. In order to address growing demand for DTPw-based vaccines, GSK Biologicals have developed the Zilbrix range using a new DTPw antigen source and containing reduced quantities of polyribosylribitol phosphate [PRP].

OBJECTIVE

This article presents clinical trial results for both DTPw-based vaccines.

METHODS

GSK Biologicals provided a comprehensive data package, which was supplemented with a Medline literature search.

CONCLUSION

New antigen sources and reduced PRP will ensure the continued supply of DTPw-based combination vaccines for vital global mass vaccination campaigns.