AS02B

AS02B is a proprietary adjuvant system developed by GSK, formulated as an oil-in-water emulsion containing two potent immunostimulants: 3-O-desacyl-4'-monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and the saponin QS-21. MPL is a detoxified derivative of lipopolysaccharide that acts as a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist, while QS-21 is a triterpene glycoside extracted from the bark of the *Quillaja saponaria* tree. AS02B is specifically designed to synergistically enhance both humoral and cellular immune responses, particularly promoting Th1-biased immunity. It was a primary adjuvant candidate during the clinical development of the RTS,S malaria vaccine (preceding the transition to the liposome-based AS01 system) and has been investigated in vaccine candidates for HIV-1 and tuberculosis. The 'B' designation typically refers to a specific formulation volume or concentration (often half the dose of AS02A) used in pediatric or specific clinical trial protocols.

Other names

Adjuvant System 02BAS02B adjuvantAS-02B adjuvantAS 02B adjuvant