Evaluation of Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity Study of GLS-6150 in Healthy Volunteers and in Persons Previously Treated for Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped, single strand, positive sense RNA flavivirus. Infection by HCV is typically chronic, although an estimated \~10-20% may spontaneously clear the virus. HCV affects between 1.3 - 2 billion individuals, or 2-3% of the global population. HCV has a seroprevalence of approximately 1% in developed countries such as the US and Korea. Chronic HCV infection leads to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. This Phase I study will evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of GLS-6150 administered intradermally (ID) followed by electroporation at 1.0 mg and 2.0 mg/dose assessing 3 and 4-dose regimens.

HCV-003 will assess the safety and immunogenicity of GLS-6150 in those previously treated for HCV infection and who have achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR). This study will provide information as to whether GLS-6150 may be useful to prevent re-infection for those successfully cleared of HCV infection. GLS-6150 is a DNA plasmid vaccine that expresses the NS3/4A gene of HCV, NS4B gene of HCV, the NS5A gene of HCV and IL-28B. GLS-6150 will be administered at one of two dose levels (1 mg or 2 mg) and given as a 2 or 3 vaccination priming regimen with a boost vaccination given at 6 months. Immune T cell and serologic responses will be determined after each dose.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 19-65 years;
2. HCV seronegative (Group 1 only), HCV seropositive (Groups 2, 3, 4 only)
3. Prior treatment for genotype 1a or 1b Hepatitis C infection with treatment ending (12 weeks after end of DAA treatment, 24 weeks after end of combination treatment with Ribavirin/Interferon) prior to study enrollment and with documented achievement of HCV viral clearance (multiple episodes of treatment for Hepatitis C are allowed, Groups 2, 3, 4 only)
4. Hepatitis C virus PCR negative at screen
5. Able to provide consent to participate and having signed an Informed Consent Form (ICF);
6. Able and willing to comply with all study procedures;
7. Women of child-bearing potential agree to use medically effective contraception (oral contraception, barrier methods, spermicide, etc.) or have a partner who is sterile during this trial, or have a partner who is medically unable to induce pregnancy.
8. Normal screening ECG or screening ECG with no clinically significant findings;
9. Screening laboratory must be within normal limits or have only Grade 0-1 findings;
10. No history of clinically significant immunosuppressive or autoimmune disease.
11. Not currently or within the previous 4 weeks taking immunosuppressive agents (excluding inhaled, topical skin and/or eye drop-containing corticosteroids, low-dose methotrexate, or prednisone at a dose less than 10 mg/day, or a steroid equivalent).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Administration of an investigational compound either currently or within 3 months of first dose;
2. Administration of any vaccine (excluding influenza vaccination) within 4 weeks of first dose;
3. Administration of any monoclonal or polyclonal antibody product within 4 weeks of the first dose
4. Administration of any blood product within 3 months of first dose;
5. Pregnancy or breast feeding or plans to become pregnant during the course of the study;
6. History of positive serologic test for HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); or any potentially communicable infectious disease as determined by the Principal Investigator or Medical Monitor;
7. Positive Hepatitis C serology performed at baseline (Group 1 only)
8. Positive screening PCR test for hepatitis C virus;
9. History of HCV infection with other than genotype 1a or 1b (Group 2, 3 and 4 only)
10. Baseline evidence of kidney disease as measured by creatinine greater than 1.5 mg/dL
11. Baseline screening lab(s) with Grade 2 or higher abnormality;
12. Chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, or α-1 antitrypsin deficiency(In case of cirrhosis, the person who has been judged F4 grade in Fibroscan);
13. Immunosuppressive illness including hematologic malignancy, history of solid organ or bone marrow transplantation;
14. Current or anticipated concomitant immunosuppressive therapy (excluding inhaled, topical skin and/or eye drop-containing corticosteroids, low-dose methotrexate, or prednisone at a dose equal to or greater than 10 mg/day, or steroid equivalent);
15. Current or anticipated treatment with TNF-α inhibitors such as infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept;
16. Prior major surgery or any radiation therapy within 4 weeks of the first vaccination;
17. Any pre-excitation syndromes, e.g., Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome; history of PSVT syndrome, history of prolonged QT syndrome;
18. Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD)
19. Metal implants within 20 cm of the planned site(s) of injection;
20. Presence of keloid scar formation or hypertrophic scar as a clinically significant medical condition at the planned site(s) of injection.
21. Prisoner or subjects who are compulsorily detained (involuntary incarceration) for treatment of either a physical or psychiatric illness;
22. Active drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements or assessment of immunologic endpoints; or
23. Not willing to allow storage and future use of samples for Hepatitis C virus related research
24. Any illness or condition that in the opinion of the investigator may affect the safety of the subject or the evaluation of any study endpoint.