BIODEGRADABLE DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR A BIRTH-CONTROL VACCINE - IMMUNOGENICITY STUDIES IN RATS AND MONKEYS

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to develop a single administration delivery system for a model birth control vaccine, in order to reduce the need for multiple injections and enhance immunogenicity. Methods. The immunogen-loaded microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation method and characterized for loading levels, size distribution and in vitro release kinetics. The microspheres were immunized intramuscularly in wistar rats and bonnet monkeys, and the antibody response was compared to that obtained with the same total dose of the immunogen on alum given at a monthly interval. Results. Results indicated that a single injection of the immunogen entrapped in the microspheres generated a response comparable to that obtained by the same immunogen on alum injected at a monthly interval. The antibodies generated by the microspheres in the monkeys also had a good bioneutralization capacity indicating immunogen integrity during the microencapsulation process. Conclusions. Biodegradable microspheres served as an effective delivery system for a model immunogen used in this study to reduce the need for frequent immunizations and enhance immunogenicity.