The study is a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, trial with two groups of infants receiving vaccine or placebo to assess the efficacy and safety of BRV-PV. Three doses of BRV-PV containing ≥ Log10 5.6 FFU/Dose of each serotype G1, G2, G3, G4 and G9 will be administered at 4 week intervals between doses. The first administration will occur at 6-8 weeks of age.

We hypothesize a difference in vaccine efficacy of three doses of BRV-PV vaccine vs. placebo against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis in healthy infants in Niger.

Active surveillance for gastroenteritis episodes will be conducted throughout the trial. Surveillance for adverse events will be carried out among all children from the time of first vaccination and 28 days post-Dose 3. Surveillance for all serious adverse events, including intussusception and death, will be conducted on all participants until they each reach two years of age.

To assess the effect of prenatal nutrition supplementation on infant immune response to the BRV-PV vaccine, study villages in the immunogenicity sub-cohort will be randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to provide pregnant women with daily iron-folate, multiple micronutrients or a lipid-based nutrition supplement. Infants of participating women, if eligible at 6-8 weeks of age, will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive three doses of vaccine or placebo and enter the main trial as part of the immunogenicity sub-cohort.

Conclusions

PLOS Medicine published results for this clinical trial on July 2, 2021.

Rotasiil provided protection against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis (SRVGE) in infants through an extended follow-up period of approximately 2 years. Protection was significant in the first year of life when the disease burden and risk of death are highest, and against a changing pattern of rotavirus strains during the 2-year efficacy period. Rotavirus vaccines that are safe, effective, and protective against multiple strains represent the best hope for preventing the severe consequences of rotavirus infection, especially in resource-limited settings, where access to care may be limited. Studies such as this provide valuable information for the planning of national immunization programs and future vaccine development.