Biologic
RCSB PDB 1WZ4
Hepatitis B vaccine
Engerix-B
- Mechanism of action
- Recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- In plain language
- Trains the immune system to recognize hepatitis B using a lab-made piece of the virus's outer shell, with no live virus involved.
- How it works
- Engerix-B contains purified hepatitis B surface antigen produced by recombinant DNA technology in genetically engineered yeast, then purified and adsorbed onto an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant. Administered intramuscularly, the antigen drives B-cell activation and production of anti-HBs antibodies. Because the vaccine contains no viral genetic material or infectious virus, it cannot cause hepatitis B infection.
- Therapeutic applications
- Indicated for active immunization against infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus, administered as a 3-dose intramuscular series from birth through adulthood. A preventive vaccine, not a treatment for existing hepatitis B infection.
- Class
- Protein subunit vaccine
- Therapeutic area
- Vaccine (Hepatitis B)
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