New Two-Dose Hepatitis B Vaccine for Adults Now Available

Dynavax Technologies announced the availability of Heplisav-B (hepatitis B vaccine [recombinant], adjuvanted) for the prevention of infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in adults aged ≥18 years.

Heplisav-B, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2017, is the first 2-dose hepatitis B vaccine for adults. The 2 doses are given as an intramuscular injection in the deltoid region 1 month apart. The vaccine combines the hepatitis B surface antigen with the Company’s proprietary toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 agonist to enhance the immune response. 

Eddie Gray, CEO of Dynavax, stated, “Given its two-dose schedule and delivery of high rates of protection, Heplisav-B is an important tool for preventing hepatitis B in the United States.”

Heplisav-B is available as a solution for injection in 0.5mL single-dose vials in 1- and 5-count packages. 

Reference

HEPLISAV-B™ [package insert]. Berkeley, CA: Dynavax Technologies Corporation; 2017.

This article originally appeared on MPR