NCT06799494 · Emory University
HPV Vaccine Reduced Dose
What this study is about
This study aims to answer the question: does 1-dose HPV vaccination generate the same immune responses compared to 2- or 3-dose HPV vaccination? This will be done by studying the immune response in blood, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.
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This study aims to answer the question: does 1-dose HPV vaccination generate the same immune responses compared to 2- or 3-dose HPV vaccination? This will be done by studying the immune response in blood, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) cause cancers (cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile), and the current HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing disease by HPV types that cause 90% of cancer cases. While this vaccine generates high levels of antibodies that last for \> 10 years, understanding of how this occurs is limited, and studying this immune response will help design new and better vaccines. The study population consists of healthy adult (age 18-45) participants who have not previously received an HPV vaccine, do not have antibodies against certain types of HPV, do not have a history of HPV infection or disease (such as genital warts, abnormal pap test, or HPV DNA test), and do not have contraindications to study procedures. Populations of increased concern are not being enrolled.
Interventions
BIOLOGICAL
Gardasil-9
The 9-valent HPV VLP vaccine is a sterile liquid suspension prepared by combining the adsorbed VLPs of each HPV type and additional amounts of the aluminum-containing adjuvant and the final purification buffer. The 9-valent HPV vaccine, or Gardasil-9, is a sterile suspension for intramuscular administration. Each 0.5-mL dose of the vaccine also contains approximately 500 mcg of aluminum (provided as AAHS), 9.56 mg of sodium chloride, 0.78 mg of L-histidine, 50 mcg of polysorbate 80, 35 mcg of sodium borate, \<7 mcg yeast protein, and water for injection. The product does not contain a preservative or antibiotics. Gardasil-9 is supplied as a 0.5-mL single-dose vial or 0.5-mL single-dose prefilled Luer Lock syringe with tip cap. After thorough agitation, GARDASIL 9 is a white, cloudy liquid.
DRUG
Lidocaine injection
Lidocaine 1% will be injected intradermally and subcutaneously into the margin of the lymph node to be sampled to numb the area. To confer local anesthesia, 1-2% will be injected into the tissue surrounding the area where the bone marrow will be removed.
DRUG
Lorazepam
Lorazepam, an FDA-approved benzodiazepine, will be administered as an anxiolytic before the bone marrow aspirate procedure per the clinician who will perform the procedure. If needed, lorazepam will be administered sublingually per manufacturer dosing recommendations.
Primary outcome measures
Frequency of plasma cells specific for HPV16/18 virus like particles (VLPs)
Time frame: 730 days after receiving the first vaccine dose
Frequency of plasma cells specific for HPV16/18 virus-like particles (VLPs) per total IgG-secreting plasma cells in bone marrow in per-protocol participants of the 1- and 2-dose 9vHPV arms
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Individuals aged 18-45 years old (inclusive), as the HPV vaccine is approved for this age range in adults
- Able to understand and give informed consent (in American English).
- In good health based on physical examination, vital signs, medical history, and the investigator's clinical judgment.
- Available and willing to participate for the duration of this study
- Willing to undergo lymph node fine needle aspiration and bone marrow aspiration
- Willing to consent to the future use of remaining (residual) samples/specimens with IRB review
- Willing to defer completion of the recommended 9vHPV series
Exclusion criteria
- Ever received a dose of an HPV vaccine
- HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 or 58 seropositivity
- Any history of genital warts, an abnormal pap smear, or positive HPV DNA test
- Known allergy or history of anaphylaxis or other serious adverse reaction to a vaccine or vaccine products
- Known allergy or history of anaphylaxis to yeast or products containing yeast.
- Any allergy to lidocaine.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Participants who believe they cannot tolerate the lymph node fine needle aspirate or bone marrow aspirate procedures without general sedation
- Any history of lymphoma involving axillary nodes, any history of breast cancer, bilateral inflammatory process of upper arms in the past 2 weeks, prior breast or axillary biopsy and/or surgery that in the opinion of the investigator would affect the immune response results.
- Local infection, lymphadenitis, or rash in the targeted area.
- Received any vaccine from 14 days before the vaccine dose until 30 days after each vaccine dose\
- (\*An individual initially excluded from study participation based on one or more of the time-limited exclusion criteria (fever, receipt of other vaccines) may be reconsidered for enrollment once the condition has resolved as long as the participant continues to meet all other entry criteria)
- Volunteers with fever (≥100.4 F or 38°C regardless of the route) within 3 days before vaccination\*. (\*An individual initially excluded from study participation based on one or more of the time-limited exclusion criteria (fever, receipt of other vaccines) may be reconsidered for enrollment once the condition has resolved as long as the participant continues to meet all other entry criteria)
- History of or presence of severe co-morbidities as determined by the investigator, including autoimmune disease, or clinically significant cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hepatic, rheumatologic, renal disease, thrombocytopenia, and grade 4 hypertension\*\
- (\*\*Grade 4 hypertension per CTCAE criteria is defined as life-threatening consequences (e.g., malignant hypertension, transient or permanent neurologic deficit, hypertensive)
- History of a bleeding disorder or currently taking anti-coagulant products\*\*\
- (e.g. warfarin, direct thrombin inhibitors, heparin products, etc.), anti-platelet products, and/or NSAIDs including aspirin. (\*\*\*including in the past week; however, an individual who is initially excluded from study participation based on one or more of the time-limited exclusion criteria may be reconsidered for enrollment once the condition has resolved as long as the participant continues to meet all other entry criteria)
- History of active malignancy other than squamous cell or basal cell skin cancer, unless there was a surgical excision considered to have achieved a cure.
- Current and/or expected immunosuppression due to cancer, receipt of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other immunosuppressive therapies (including anti-TNF therapy).
- Known or suspected congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, including functional or anatomic asplenia, or recent history or current use of immunosuppressive therapy\*\*\*\*. (\*\*\*\*Anti-cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy within the preceding 3 years, or long-term (≥2 weeks within the previous 3 months) systemic corticosteroid therapy (e.g., prednisone at a dosage of ≥20 mg per day or on alternative days). Intranasal or topical prednisone (or equivalent) is allowed)
- Known chronic infections including, but not limited to, HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B or C.
- Is post-organ, bone marrow, and/or stem cell transplant, whether or not on chronic immunosuppressive therapy.
- Received blood products or immunoglobulin 3 months before study entry or planned use during this study.
- Had major surgery (per the investigator's judgment) within 4 weeks before study entry or planned major surgery during this study.
- Insulin-dependent diabetes\*\*\*\*\
- mellitus type 1 or type 2 requiring therapy. (\*\*\*\*\*History of isolated gestational diabetes is not an exclusion criterion)
- Received experimental therapeutic agents within 12 months before the first vaccine dose or plans to receive any experimental therapeutic agents 12 months after the first vaccine dose that, at the investigator's discretion, would interfere with the safety or objectives of the study. COVID-19 vaccines that fall under FDA EUA will be treated as approved vaccines for this study.
- Is currently participating or plans to participate in another clinical study that would involve the receipt of an investigational product or undergo a procedure that, in the investigator's opinion would interfere with the safety or objectives of the study.
- Current diagnosed or self-reported alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or psychiatric conditions that in the opinion of the investigator would preclude compliance with the study.
- Social, occupational, or any other condition that in the investigator's discretion might interfere with compliance with the study.
Where
- Decatur, Georgia
Collaborators
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 20, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations