NCT07094711 · University of Virginia
Safety, Immunogenicity, and Efficacy of Therapeutic Mycobacterium Bovis BCG (BOOST)
(BOOST)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to find out if the Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine can be used safely to treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to find out if the Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine can be used safely to treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease.
Interventions
BIOLOGICAL
Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine
Subjects will be randomized to a single intradermal injection of BCG or placebo vaccine. Participants randomized to the BCG arm will receive TICE® BCG. Freeze-dried vaccine is produced in vials, each containing 1 to 8 x\^108 colony forming units (CFU). A vial will be reconstituted in 20 mL of preservative-free saline. Administration of 0.1 mL will contain \~2x\^106 CFU, which accounts for approximately 0.25 mg of the attenuated Mycobacterium bovis. Administration of 0.1 mL of diluted vaccine will be given per dose, intradermally.
DRUG
preservative-free saline
Patients randomized to the placebo arm will receive 0.1 mL preservative-free saline alone.
Primary outcome measures
Adverse events
Time frame: 12 weeks after intervention
Safety and tolerability of intradermal BCG (TICE®) in this patient population, compared to placebo, assessed by weekly questionnaire of adverse events. Licensed study team member will follow-up on any events reported to be more than mild. Follow-up will be completed as a telemedicine or in person visit
Serious adverse events
Time frame: 12 months
Serious adverse events related to the intradermal BCG over 12 months after intervention.
Immunogenicity
Time frame: 24 months
Compare changes in immunogenicity, as measured by IFN-gamma production between the BCG and placebo groups. We will assess for increases in T cell immune responses against BCG and MAC, as measured by cytokine production, in those who received the BCG vaccine and those that received placebo. We will use ex vivo T cell stimulation assays to quantify the antigen specific T cell responses and assess cytokine production via flow cytometry and/or multiplexed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Luminex).
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
- In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- Male or female aged ≥18 years
- Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease as evidenced by diagnosis or treatment for MAC lung disease by pulmonologist or infectious disease physician in the medical record. The following data will be extracted from the medical record:
- History of at least 2 MAC positive respiratory cultures, one of which is within 1 year of enrollment. In the event a MAC positive culture is from bronchial lavage or biopsy, one culture rather than 2 will meet criteria.
- Respiratory and/or constitutional symptoms consistent with MAC lung disease
- Nodular or cavitary opacities on chest radiograph or bronchiectasis with multiple small nodules on high-resolution computed tomography
- Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
- Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures
- Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) (i.e., fertile following menarche and until becoming postmenopausal unless permanently sterile) agree to practice a highly effective method of birth control from Day 0 to at least 90 days after study intervention. Some examples of acceptable birth controls are:
- True abstinence (refraining from heterosexual intercourse during the entire study),
- Copper intrauterine device (IUD),
- Hormonal methods (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, progestogen implant, combined oral contraceptive pill \[combined with barrier method\]), exclusive homosexual relationship) sole male partner who has undergone surgical sterilization
Exclusion criteria
- Selection of study participants will be equitable, but an individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Currently receiving antibiotics prescribed for their MAC lung disease
- Having received any antibacterial antibiotics within the past 14 days prior to study vaccination, day 0
- Known allergy, intolerance or other contraindication to isoniazid or rifampin or ethambutol
- Expectation of starting anti-MAC lung disease antibiotics in the next 2 months per patient or their physician
- Persons with congenital or acquired immune deficiencies (e.g., HIV infection; leukemia, lymphoma, or cancer therapy within the past 2 years; immunosuppressive therapy such as anti B cell depleting therapies, corticosteroids (\>20 mg/day for \> 14 days), dupilumab, elivaldogene, etrasimod, cytotoxic chemotherapy, miscellaneous oncologic agents, therapeutic immunosuppressant agents, methotrexate, teplizumab, tezepelumab, tildrakizumab, tralokinumab, ustekinumab). Persons with lung and other solid organ transplants/hematologic stem cell transplants who may be contraindicated to receive a live vaccine. Point of care HIV testing must be negative at baseline.
- Prior BCG Vaccination. If unknown Bcgatlas.org shall be consulted for local vaccination administration policies.
- Known pregnancy at the time of screening or breastfeeding at the time of enrollment (pregnancy test negative at baseline if applicable)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Active tuberculosis: Active tuberculosis (respiratory AFB culture growing Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex within the past 4 months).
- Known exposure to a case of active pulmonary tuberculosis within 10 weeks of enrollment
- Known prior hypersensitivity reaction to BCG or any component of the BCG vaccine
- Received live injectable vaccine within 28 days of day 0 study vaccination
- Any condition in the opinion of the investigator that may confound the study endpoints Note that colonization or co-infection with other nontuberculous mycobacteria is not exclusionary, as MAC will be the endpoint.
Where
- Charlottesville, Virginia
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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 May 27, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations