Epaxal

Epaxal (also known as Epaxal Berna) is an aluminum-free, virosome-formulated hepatitis A vaccine developed to prevent hepatitis A infection. It is based on formalin-inactivated hepatitis A virus (HAV) of the RG-SB strain, adsorbed onto the surface of virosomes — specialized liposomes composed of unilamellar phospholipid bilayers (lecithin and cephalin) that serve as the adjuvant system in place of aluminum hydroxide. Epaxal is highly immunogenic, achieving 88–97% seroprotection after a single dose, and is well tolerated with fewer local reactions compared to aluminum-adjuvanted hepatitis A vaccines. Originally developed by Berna Biotech and later associated with Crucell (now part of Johnson & Johnson), the vaccine was approved in several countries but was discontinued in 2011.

Brand names

EpaxalEpaxal BernaHAVpurVIROHEP-AEpaxal Junior

Other names

virosomal hepatitis A vaccineinactivated hepatitis A vaccine (virosomal)hepatitis A vaccine (virosomal)