Hepatitis B monovalent vaccines produced by different manufacturers: comparative study on the quality of vaccine in period before and after the shelf life

Abstract

For over 20 years, the hepatitis B (HB) vaccine has been produced by the expression of the viral gene encoding the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in yeast. According to the data from WHO, the hepatitis B vaccines are generally stable for up to three years when stored at 2 ºC to 8 ºC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the hepatitis B vaccine, at the time of their release, the quality criteria of this product were maintained seven years after the expiration date. Vaccine vials in multi-dose (10 and 05 doses) and three lots from each manufacturer (A, B and C) were analyzed. All batches were assayed for visual appearance, potency, bacterial endotoxin, thiomersal amount, aluminum hidroxyde contents and pH by means of validated tests. The nine lots evaluated seven years after the expiration date showed similar concentrations when compared to those demonstrated at the time of batches release by the National Institute for Quality Control in Health (INCQS). No significant change in the quality of the hepatitis B vaccine after the expiration date was confirmed. These data might be useful to subsidize a future evaluation for reviewing an extension of the vaccines shelf life.