Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
New drugs, vaccines, biomarkers, and diagnostics could reduce TB incidence by 94% by 2050. Biomarker development is crucial for predicting treatment outcomes, while diagnostics advancements aim to improve case detection.
The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research has received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop nanoparticles that release vaccine active ingredients through skin perspiration, potentially bypassing traditional vaccines. The project aims to stimulate mucosal immune responses and prevent infectious diseases.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a vaccine that can block the immune reaction causing atherosclerosis, reducing disease by 60-70%. The vaccine targets T cells reacting to native LDL particles, reversing previous findings on antioxidants' ineffectiveness against cardiovascular disease.
The dry powder, inhalable vaccine has been shown to be stable under challenging environmental conditions and is estimated to cost only 26 cents per dose. Phase One clinical trials are set to start in India this summer, followed by Phase Two trials involving a larger number of patients.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that HPV vaccine uptake among grade 6 girls in British Columbia, Canada is lower than expected. The study suggests that concerns about safety and lack of information are major factors hindering vaccine adoption. Positive parental attitudes towards vaccination and education level can incre...
A retrospective study found that vaccination is associated with earlier onset of seizures in children with Dravet syndrome, but does not affect the clinical outcome. The study analyzed 40 patients and found no difference in intellectual outcome or subsequent seizure type between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that human growth hormone (HGH) improves sprint capacity in healthy recreational athletes, with effects nearly doubled in men who also received testosterone injections. The researchers also noted significant reductions in fat mass but no increase in muscle mass.
Several FDA-approved vaccines are effective in protecting women against cervical cancer-causing HPVs, which can be transmitted through sexual contact. The study found that nearly all U.S. states offer HPV vaccination to adolescent girls in juvenile justice facilities.
African children with sickle-cell disease are at increased risk of bacterial illness, especially invasive pneumococcal disease. Vaccines against pneumococcus can improve quality of life and save lives among these vulnerable children.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found a successful pilot program increasing HPV vaccination rates from 0 to 44% among post-partum women. The study suggests that OB/GYN clinics can play a key role in vaccinating eligible adults, particularly pregnant and post-partum women.
Advances in DNA vaccine technology have led to improved efficacy and effectiveness compared to traditional vaccines. New approaches in electroporation and vector design are driving growth in the field, with several promising therapeutic vaccines being developed.
Researchers developed a nanovaccine to stop aggressive immune attack on beta cells, restoring normal blood sugar levels in humanized mouse models. The treatment targeted specific immune cells without compromising the rest of the immune system.
A new TB booster vaccine has been shown to improve resistance to tuberculosis in previously vaccinated adults, according to a study published by the American Thoracic Society.
A new vaccine has been proven safe and effective in treating mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated with asbestos exposure. The vaccine uses the patient's own dendritic cells to induce a T-cell response against mesothelioma tumors.
Researchers have developed an experimental vaccine for chikungunya virus, which has already infected millions of people in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The vaccine, composed of virus-like particles, successfully protected monkeys from infection.
Researchers at the South West Liver Unit are working on a groundbreaking project to find a vaccine for Hepatitis C. They have identified a group of people who were naturally immune to the disease and are studying how their white blood cells interact with liver cells and the body's immune system.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research has awarded Medicago a $300,000 grant to study the immune response induced by VLPs. The research aims to develop leading plant-based VLP vaccines with potential benefits for global health, particularly in the developing world.
A Northwestern University professor explores making public policy with limited information, recommending the elimination of inferior options and application of decision criteria to avoid poor outcomes in issues like global warming and vaccination policies.
Scientists have developed a simple and cheap way to make vaccines stable at tropical temperatures, eliminating the need for refrigeration. The method involves mixing vaccines with sugars and drying them on membranes, preserving the active part of the vaccine and allowing it to be shipped at normal temperatures.
Scientists at Oxford University have developed a new method to make vaccines stable at tropical temperatures using Nova Bio-Pharma Technologies' patented HydRIS system. This technology has the potential to revolutionize vaccination efforts, particularly in the developing world where infectious diseases kill millions of people every year.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that HPV vaccination benefits decline with age and frequent screening for women over 41 is likely to be low. The study suggests that newly detected HPV infections do not progress to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse, regardless of age.
Researchers developed peptide vaccines that stimulate T cells to attack cancer cells in mice, achieving 100% tumor-free survival for at least 60 days. The successful vaccines stimulated T cells recognizing both the peptide vaccine and natural antigens, producing a large population of activated T cells.
Researchers found that individuals with multiple social connections, or hub nodes, are more likely to vaccinate themselves and contain the spread of epidemics. This voluntary vaccination method can lead to periodic outbreaks, but ultimately settle into a stable state due to the majority of individuals choosing vaccination.
Researchers have proven that subneutralizing levels of dengue virus antibodies exacerbate the disease, contradicting the normal function of antibodies. This finding has major implications for developing a vaccine against dengue virus, which annually infects 50-100 million people worldwide.
High-coverage HPV vaccination among adolescents and young women has been shown to rapidly reduce the risk of genital warts, cervical cell abnormalities, and diagnostic procedures. The study found significant reductions in risk across all HPV types, paving the way for a notable decrease in cancer rates.
Scientists have developed an experimental VLP vaccine that protects macaques and mice against chikungunya virus, a debilitating disease with no current treatment. The vaccine, using non-infectious virus-like particles, elicits immune responses and provides complete protection from infection.
The rotavirus vaccine has been shown to prevent severe diarrhoea in African children, with a 61.2% reduction in incidence. The vaccine's efficacy was lower in Malawi compared to South Africa, but it still demonstrated significant impact in reducing mortality rates.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a potential new way to stimulate the immune system to prevent or clear a viral infection by blocking a key protein in mouse immune systems. This approach may enhance the effectiveness of human vaccines designed to prevent viral infections.
Researchers at NIST found that standard-sized refrigerators without freezers outperform smaller, dormitory-style refrigerators in storing vaccines. The study identified several best practices for vaccine storage, including keeping vaccines away from the door shelves and walls to prevent temperature drifts.
A clinical trial shows that patients with metastatic prostate cancer who received a vaccine lived substantially longer than those who received a placebo, with a median survival time of 24.5 months compared to 16 months. The study found encouraging evidence for a clinically meaningful benefit from this vaccine approach.
A new study by Imperial College London discovered a virus called vaccinia spreading four times more quickly than previously believed. The virus uses a novel mechanism to spread rapidly between cells, making it harder to target with antiviral drugs.
Alexander Ksendzovsky, a third-year medical student, has been awarded the Lucien Rubenstein Award for his groundbreaking research on a potential vaccine to fight malignant brain tumors. The American Brain Tumor Association recognized his outstanding work as part of their annual Research Award Program.
Researchers found that RA patients treated with rituximab in combination with methotrexate had the same immune response to the tetanus vaccine as those treated with methotrexate alone. However, patients on rituximab had a reduced response to the pneumonia vaccine compared to those on methotrexate alone.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that appears to reduce leukemia cells in some chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients taking the drug Gleevec. The study found significant reductions in residual cancer cells and complete remission in seven patients.
Research reveals that quitting smoking can increase type 2 diabetes risk in the short term due to weight gain. Additionally, spoon size affects dosing accuracy with liquid medicine, leading to errors. The latest adult immunization schedule emphasizes HPV and influenza vaccinations, while antiretroviral adherence is linked to lower heal...
A study found that refusing the varicella vaccine is associated with a nine-fold increased risk of developing the disease in children. This finding suggests that declining vaccination rates could lead to an increase in the incidence of chickenpox and related complications.
Researchers identified significant gaps in HPV vaccine uptake among low-income minority groups, with disparities in knowledge, awareness, and healthcare provider recommendations. Tailored interventions are necessary to address these barriers and increase vaccination rates.
University of Missouri researchers found that aspirin and Tylenol block enzymes that inhibit vaccines. This could lead to reduced antibody responses and decreased protection against infections.
The Elsevier journal Vaccine has released a supplement dedicated to vaccines for biodefense, showcasing significant advancements in vaccine development against diverse human and veterinary pathogens. The publication acknowledges the shift from traditional military focus to protecting both civilian and military populations.
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) has included vaccine research studies in its updated Strategic Plan for Autism Research, responding to Congressional calls to investigate the potential connection between vaccines and autism. The plan aims to explore risk factors contributing to autism, including environmental exposu...
Researchers identified 78 homegrown health biotechnology companies producing innovative products for all neglected diseases, including the Big 3. A proposed 'Global Health Accellerator' service aims to connect these firms with expertise and funding to reach additional villages worldwide.
A Phase II clinical study found that a vaccine candidate can cause a modest but sustained reduction in genital and gastrointestinal GBS bacterial colonization. The vaccine was also found to be safe and well-tolerated, eliciting a strong immune response.
The first ever World Pneumonia Day highlights the potential for renewed global action against this forgotten killer of children. The Global Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia aims to reduce child pneumonia mortality through exclusive breastfeeding, vaccine use, and community-level management.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens found that whooping cough immunity typically lasts at least 30 years and perhaps as long as 70 years after natural infection. The research suggests that repeat infections contribute relatively little to transmission and may even boost immunity in individuals with waning protection.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued clinical practice guidelines for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), recommending the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and individualizing decisions on hormonal tests. For patients with stable ischemic heart disease, adding ACE inhibitors to standard care improves ou...
A systematic review of six randomized trials found pneumococcal conjugate vaccines reduced vaccine-type IPD by 80%, all-serotype IPD by 58% and x-ray defined pneumonia by 27%. The vaccines also prevented 11% of child deaths.
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute report that after adjusting for factors, typically developing children and those with autism have similar blood-mercury levels. The study, conducted as part of the CHARGE Study, looked at various sources of mercury in participants' environments, including fish consumption and vaccinations.
Veterinary scientists harnessing 'barcodes' of microbes to develop a single, effective vaccine for all mammals. Tiny variations in TLRs could be key to adapting vaccines across species.
A national survey found that most girls and young women were aware of the HPV vaccine's benefits, but lacked knowledge about the HPV virus and other sexually transmitted infections. The study suggests that education on the HPV virus itself is crucial for informed decision-making.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researcher has been awarded a four-year grant to study the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines in Nicaragua. The study aims to determine how well the vaccine works in developing countries and identify shifts in rotavirus strains as a result of immunization programs.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded contracts to discover novel vaccine adjuvants. The goal is to enhance the immune response and extend vaccine supply. Researchers will test new compounds in animal models and human cells.
A new article reviews published research and finds no convincing evidence supporting a relationship between vaccines and autism. The onset of autism occurs prior to age three, with various possible associations examined but no clear cause identified.
A new method of delivering measles vaccines, using an inhalable powder, has shown promise in test animals. The powder is produced by mixing a weakened measles virus with high-pressure carbon dioxide and can remain stable for at least eight weeks at room temperature.
Vaccination against HPV, combined with national screening programmes, could lead to the eradication of cervical cancer in countries that implement such measures. HPV screening is more effective than Pap smear tests and can detect the virus in smears rather than relying on visual examination.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Alon Monsonego has created a humanized mouse model that responds specifically to an A-beta-peptide vaccine, reducing plaque and inflammation in the brain. The study provides a basis for developing individualized immunotherapeutic approaches to Alzheimer's disease.
A new rabies vaccine has shown to induce a rapid and efficient immune response in mice and non-human primates, potentially reducing the six-shot post-exposure regimen to just one inoculation. The experimental vaccine lacks a key gene called the matrix (M) gene, inhibiting the virus from completing its life cycle.
The MSD Wellcome Trust Hilleman Laboratories aims to develop new vaccines to prevent diseases affecting low-income countries. The not-for-profit joint venture will work on optimizing existing vaccines and developing new ones, with the goal of increasing vaccine impact in resource-limited settings.
A 20-year study revealed a significant drop in liver cancer cases among vaccinated 6- to 19-year-olds. The universal vaccination program in Taiwan has been shown to extend its effectiveness into young adulthood.
A study published in The Lancet found that vaccination against bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b, can substantially improve survival rates in African children with sickle-cell anaemia. The researchers also found that these bacteria are the same cause of infection in both developed ...
A new protein conjugate vaccine, PCV7, has been found to produce superior immune responses in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to the currently accepted vaccine, PPSV23. The study suggests that PCV7 may offer improved protection against respiratory disease in COPD patients at risk for pneumonia.