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Kidney disease

BZLF1 Peptide Vaccine (OSU-2131) With QS-21 for the Prevention of Epstein-Barr Virus Related Cancer in Patients Awaiting Solid Organ Transplants

Recruiting · Columbus, Ohio

Study treatment at no costPHASE1

Always free

Study care at no cost to you

For your time and travel

Many studies pay you back

Most need no insurance or papers

Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements

Interpreters available

Ask for your language

Your choice

Voluntary — you can stop anytime

What is this study?

This phase 1B trial tests the safety, side effects and best dose of rh-Hsc70- BZLF1 peptide complex (OSU-2131) with Stimulon (Trademark) QS-21 and evaluates how well it works in preventing Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and related cancers in healthy volunteers and patients awaiting a solid organ transplant. Currently, patients who receive an organ transplant receive immune suppression therapy which can make it harder for the body to fight infections.

It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.

Read the full clinical description

This phase 1B trial tests the safety, side effects and best dose of rh-Hsc70- BZLF1 peptide complex (OSU-2131) with Stimulon (Trademark) QS-21 and evaluates how well it works in preventing Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and related cancers in healthy volunteers and patients awaiting a solid organ transplant. Currently, patients who receive an organ transplant receive immune suppression therapy which can make it harder for the body to fight infections. This treatment also increases the risk for cancers that are triggered by the EBV. Vaccines made from synthetic peptide (RAKFKQLL) derived from the BZLF1 protein, may help the body build an effective immune response against EBV infections. QS-21, a saponin adjuvant, is a substance from plants that, when given with vaccine therapy, may improve the way the immune system responds to disease. Giving OSU-2131 with QS-21 may help the immune system fight EBV and protect against EBV infection and the cancers that it can cause in patients awaiting solid organ transplants.

Who this study is looking for

In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.

✅ You may be able to join if…

  • Be at least 18 and not older than 65 years old.
  • Be a healthy volunteer or be awaiting a solid organ transplant (SOT).
  • Have at least one HLA-B*08:01 allele.
  • Be willing to use effective birth control (or not have sex) for 3 months after the last vaccine dose.
  • Be HIV-negative and hepatitis B- and hepatitis C-negative.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

  • Be pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Have severe active infection, poor heart/lung function, or another serious illness that would stop you from finishing the study (as judged by the principal investigator).
  • Have a history of chronic active EBV infection, active infectious mononucleosis within 6 months, or another EBV-related disorder (as judged by the principal investigator).
  • Have a history of immune suppression or an autoimmune disorder.
  • Be taking antiviral therapy or be on immune-suppressing medications (systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs; nasal steroids for seasonal rhinitis are allowed).

Are you a good fit?

Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.

  • Adults roughly 18–65
  • Have Kidney disease
  • !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding

What to expect, step by step

  1. 1

    Usually a few weeks

    The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.

  2. 2

    Treatment

    If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.

  3. 3

    Follow-up

    After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.

Has this treatment been tested before?

This is an early-stage study. The treatment has gone through laboratory and preliminary testing before being studied in people here.

What you need to know before you apply

What is this study testing?+

This phase 1B trial tests the safety, side effects and best dose of rh-Hsc70- BZLF1 peptide complex (OSU-2131) with Stimulon (Trademark) QS-21 and evaluates how well it works in preventing Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and related cancers in healthy volunteers and patients awaiting a solid organ transplant. Currently, patients who receive an organ transplant receive immune suppression therapy which can make it harder for the body to fight infections.

Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+

This is an early study (Phase 1), focused mostly on safety. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.

Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+

Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+

It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.

Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+

The study treatment and study-related visits are provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.

Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+

No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.

What if English isn't my first language?+

You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.

Is my information private?+

Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06741072 · Locations: Ohio