Phase 1 Randomized, Controlled, Double-blind Study to Compare the Safety and Effectiveness of Hepatitis B Vaccines in Individuals With Renal Impairment, Diabetes Mellitus or Age Greater Than 40 Years

Adjuvants are a critical ingredient in most vaccines and act by boosting the immune response to the target protein (e.g. hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)). Despite considerable research, aluminium hydroxide or phosphate compounds (collectively referred to as "alum") remain the dominant adjuvants used in human hepatitis B virus vaccines. There is thus an unmet need for new HBV vaccine adjuvants, in particular, for adjuvants capable of boosting cell-mediated immunity (this is a particular type of immune response where killer T cells are activated that are then able to attack and destroy the infection) as alum, although good at stimulating antibodies is very poor at stimulating cell-mediated immunity. Alum, whilst generally accepted as safe, can be associated with significant local vaccine reactions and this is another reason why newer better-tolerated vaccine adjuvants would be beneficial. This study will compare a range of experimental adjuvant formulations to identify those that provide the safest and most effective enhancement of T- and B-cell immunity against hepatitis B