title: A lyophilized formulation of RiVax, a recombinant ricin subunit vaccine, retains immunogenicity.
abstract: Ricin is a CDC level B biothreat. Our recombinant ricin A chain vaccine (RiVax) contains two mutations, rendering it non-toxic at high doses. Frozen or alum formulations of RiVax protected mice against ricin administered by injection, gavage or aerosol. Without alum, RiVax was safe and immunogenic in rabbits and human volunteers. For military use, the predominant target group, it would be optimal not to require a cold chain for transport and storage. We have now developed a lyophilized formulation and demonstrated stability and efficacy for at least 1 year stored refrigerated or at room temperature administered with or without alum.
authors.affiliation: The Cancer Immunobiology Center and the Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-8576, USA.
authors.forename: Joan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Smallshaw
authors.forename: Ellen S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Vitetta
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000992:Antitoxins / Q000097:blood; D004355:Drug Stability; D004356:Drug Storage; D005260:Female; D005612:Freeze Drying; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D051379:Mice; D011041:Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control; D021122:Protein Subunits; D012276:Ricin / Q000633:toxicity; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014612:Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000992:Antitoxins; D021122:Protein Subunits; C509236:RiVax; D014612:Vaccines; D012276:Ricin