Could Less Be More? Accounting for Fractional-Dose Regimens and Different Number of Vaccine Doses When Measuring the Impact of the RTS,S/AS01E Malaria Vaccine

Abstract

Background. The RTS,S/AS01E (RTS,S) malaria vaccine is recommended for children in malaria endemic areas. This phase 2b trial evaluates RTS,S fractional- and full-dose regimens in Ghana and Kenya. Methods. In total, 1500 children aged 5–17 months were randomized (1:1:1:1:1) to receive RTS,S or rabies control vaccine. RTS, S groups received 2 full RTS,S doses at months 0 and 1 and either full (groups R012-20, R012-14-26) or fractional doses (one-fifth; groups Fx012-14-26, Fx017-20-32). Results. At month 32 post-dose 1, vaccine efficacy against clinical malaria (all episodes) ranged from 38% (R012-20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 24%–49%) to 53% (R012-14-26; 95% CI: 42%–62%). Vaccine impact (cumulative number of cases averted/1000 children vaccinated) was 1344 (R012-20), 2450 (R012-14-26), 2273 (Fx012-14-26), and 2112 (Fx017-20-32). To account for differences in vaccine volume (fractional vs full dose; post hoc analysis), we estimated cases averted/1000 RTS,S full-dose equivalents: 336 (R012-20), 490 (R012-14-26), 874 (Fx012-14-26), and 880 (Fx017-20-32). Conclusions. Vaccine efficacy was similar across RTS,S groups. Vaccine impact accounting for full-dose equivalence suggests that using fractional-dose regimens could be a viable dose-sparing strategy. If maintained through trial end, these observations underscore the means to reduce cost per regimen thus maximizing impact and optimizing supply. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT03276962 (ClinicalTrials.gov).