Adjuvant Formulation for Companion Animals Vaccines

Companion animals are sensitive species able to strongly react to vaccine. Compared to farmanimals, owner’ s sensibility to vaccine safety is exacerbated due to emotional links between animal and owner. Adjuvant selection during vaccine development is a key parameter driving vaccine safety and efficacy profile. Our studies demonstrated the ability to use Montanide™ PetGel A (polymeric adjuvant manufactured under GMP rules) in cat, dog and horse vaccines. Adjuvants performances were highlighted by local and general safety parameters but also through vaccine efficacy to trigger a protective immune response against the pathogen. Three trials were performed to validate Montanide™ PetGel A compatibility with cats, dogs and horses vaccine models. Experimental vaccines were formulated using different antigens according to the animal: inactivated Rhodococcus equi (horse), purified ovalbumin (cat) Leptospira Icterohaemorrhagiae (dogs). In all trials, safety was followed through behavior and temperature measurement. Furthermore, in dog and cat models, histology studies were performed to assess the local reaction in the injection site. A kineticofblood sampling was performed in all trials. Antigen specific ELISAwas used to assess the immune response induced. In cat and dog trials, aluminiumbased formulation were used as benchmark for Montanide™ formulationwhile in horse we compare Montanide™ PetGel Abased vaccine to an already published internal reference. Safety performances ofMontanide™ Pet GelA were superior to aluminium based vaccines in dogs and cats. Transient oedemas were observed in horse vaccine model after each vaccine injection, nevertheless, no impact on the animal behaviorwas observed. The antibodies production induced by Montanide™ PetGel Abased vaccineswas higher than aluminiumbased vaccines or internal reference. Montanide™ PetGel A can be used associated with a wide range ofantigenic media and recommended to be used as adjuvant for sensitive animal’ s vaccines.