The primary goal of this phase I trial is to expand the available data on the safety and immunogenicity of MVA-BN in vaccinia-naïve adults. The secondary goals of this vaccine trial are: to determine the optimum dose of MVA-BN, given twice, to induce an immune response and attenuate Dryvax® take reactions; and to compare the ability of 2 routes of administration of MVA-BN, subcutaneous and intramuscular, to induce an immune response at the highest tested dose. A total of 90 healthy adult volunteers ages 18-32 will participate in this study. The volunteers will be randomly assigned to 1 of 6 groups to be immunized with: MVA-BN (subcutaneously) at 1 of 3 dose levels and Dryvax® (per scarification); placebo (subcutaneously) and Dryvax® (per scarification); MVA-BN (subcutaneously) at the highest dose level and placebo scarification; or MVA-BN (intramuscularly) at the highest dose level and Dryvax® (per scarification). The study will last about 30 months. Each volunteer's participation will last 6 months for all treatment groups. Subjects randomized to treatment groups D and E will have follow-up for 2 years. During this time, volunteers will return periodically for blood draws to check immune responses. Subjects will require visits for dressing changes as needed post-Dryvax vaccination. Variables to be investigated include: adverse events and side effects to the vaccines, and immunogenicity testing including antibody and cellular responses to the vaccines.
The overall goals of this study are to expand the available data on the safety and immunogenicity of MVA-BN in vaccinia-naive adults and to determine the optimum dose of MVA-BN to induce immune responses and attenuate Dryvax take reactions. Participants will include 90 healthy volunteers, ages 18-32 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to 1 of 6 study groups (groups A-F). Participants will be involved in study related procedures for up to 2 years. During this time, volunteers will return periodically for blood draws to check immune responses.