The invention relates to novel Muramyl Dipeptide (MDP) derivative compound of structural Formula-VIII, a process for synthesis, intermediates used in the synthesis and use thereof.

##STR00001##

Wherein, R can be both linear and branched alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl and alkoxy alkyl. These compounds possess excellent pharmacological properties, in particular immunomodulating properties for use as adjuvant in vaccine formulations. These compounds are, particularly useful as adjuvants in vaccines.

The invention relates to novel Muramyl Dipeptide (MDP) derivative compound of structural Formula-VIII, a process for synthesis, intermediates used in the synthesis and use thereof;

##STR00001##

wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 both are hydrogen; or R.sub.1 is hydrogen and R.sub.2 is alkyl or aryl; or R.sub.1 is alkyl or aryl and R.sub.2 is hydrogen; or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 both are alkyl or aryl (same or different groups); wherein alkyl group constitute C1-C6 alkyl or higher (both linear and branched) with or without heteroatoms; and aryl group constitute phenyl, substituted phenyl, heteraryl, arylalkyl and polynuclear aromatics. These compounds possess excellent pharmacological properties, in particular immunomodulating properties for use as adjuvant in vaccine formulations. These compounds are, particularly useful as adjuvants in vaccines.

Provided herein are vaccine delivery systems including a polymer hydrogel non-covalently crossed-linked with a plurality of nanoparticles, a dinucleotide adjuvant encapsulated in the hydrogel, and an antigen encapsulated in the hydrogel. The provided vaccine delivery systems are particularly useful for slowly releasing the antigen and adjuvant within a subject, thereby triggering a more therapeutically effective immune response. Also provided are kits including the disclosed vaccine delivery systems, and methods of using the disclosed materials.

Embodiments of the invention comprise an improved vaccine for generating an immune response and preventing or treating mycobacterial diseases such as tuberculosis in humans and animals. Embodiments of the invention also comprise a method for using the vaccine against such mycobacterial diseases.

The present invention relates to vaccines comprising at least one mRNA encoding at least one antigen for use in the treatment of a disease in an elderly patient preferably exhibiting an age of at least 50 years, more preferably of at least 55 years, 60 years, 65 years, 70 years, or older, wherein the treatment comprises vaccination of the patient and eliciting an immune response in said patient. The present invention is furthermore directed to kits and kits of parts comprising such a vaccine and/or its components and to methods applying such a vaccine or kit.

The invention is directed to Muramyl Dipeptide (MDP) derivative compounds of structural Formula-VIII, a process for synthesis, intermediates used in the synthesis and use thereof: ##STR00001##
wherein, R can be a linear or branched alkyl, an aryl, a substituted aryl, or an alkoxy alkyl. These compounds possess excellent pharmacological properties, in particular immunomodulating properties for use as adjuvant in vaccine formulations. These compounds are particularly useful as adjuvants in vaccines.

The present invention relates to a bone regeneration or bone formation promoting pharmaceutical composition comprising muramyl dipeptide, an analog thereof, a derivative thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In contrast to existing passive therapeutic agents which center on bone absorption suppression based on mechanisms for reducing osteoclast functionality, the composition comprising muramyl dipeptide of the present invention promotes the differentiation of osteoblasts, which are bone forming cells, and can advantageously be used in various diseases where bone formation is required as an active therapeutic agent that does not affect osteoclast.

The invention relates to adjuvanted vaccine formulations, in particular influenza vaccines for intranasal delivery. Provided is an adjuvanted influenza vaccine formulation, comprising (i) peptidoglycan microparticles obtained from a Gram-positive bacterium and (ii) at least one influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation thereof, which antigen or antigenic preparation is not fused or otherwise covalently attached to a proteinaceous peptidoglycan binding moiety.

The present invention is directed to a vaccine comprising recombinant antigens derived from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus, which will raise an immune response in farmed and wild ruminants that are susceptible or predisposed to infection by one or more nematode worm species. The recombinant antigens used in the invention are conserved among species of nematode worms so that the vaccine will provide protection against multiple types of nematode worms. In particular, the invention provides a composition or vaccine composition comprising the recombinant H. contortus antigens: (i) enolase (EN); (ii) arginine kinase (AK); and (iii) ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), or antigenic fragments thereof, together with a veterinary acceptable carrier or diluent.

The present invention relates to vaccines comprising at least one mRNA encoding at least one antigen for use in the treatment of a disease in an elderly patient preferably exhibiting an age of at least 50 years, more preferably of at least 55 years, 60 years, 65 years, 70 years, or older, wherein the treatment comprises vaccination of the patient and eliciting an immune response in said patient. The present invention is furthermore directed to kits and kits of parts comprising such a vaccine and/or its components and to methods applying such a vaccine or kit.