All articles tagged with #vaccine development
Researchers have developed a promising new vaccine against elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), a deadly disease causing high mortality in young elephants, with initial trials showing it safely stimulates immune response in adult elephants. The next step is testing in younger, more vulnerable elephants, aiming to prevent future deaths and aid conservation efforts.
Scientists in China are developing a new vaccine against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by targeting a specific surface loop on the MntC protein, which is essential for the bacteria's survival, potentially overcoming past vaccine failures caused by the bacteria's presence as a common commensal organism.
The article discusses the potential of mRNA technology in fighting diseases like cancer and autoimmune conditions, and criticizes the recent cancellation of nearly $500 million in federal funding for mRNA vaccine research by RFK Jr., highlighting concerns from health experts about the impact on medical breakthroughs and future treatments.
The NIH director suggested that the cancellation of $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts was due to public distrust in the technology, a reason that differs from the official explanation of vaccine inefficacy and safety concerns. Despite widespread use and success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, some officials and critics question the platform's viability and antigen quantification, though experts argue these concerns are addressed in vaccine science and that continued research is essential for future pandemic preparedness.
Ab&B Bio-Tech's IPO in Hong Kong saw its stock soar over 169% on debut, driven by strong retail investor demand for its influenza vaccine and other health products, marking a successful entry amid a rally in healthcare stocks.
The Trump administration's decision to cut funding for mRNA vaccine research threatens the US's ability to respond effectively to future pandemics, despite the technology's success in rapidly developing COVID-19 vaccines and its potential to combat evolving pathogens like bird flu.
The Department of Health and Human Services is canceling $500 million in funding for 22 mRNA vaccine projects led by major pharmaceutical companies, citing a shift towards developing broader, safer vaccine strategies. This decision, announced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reflects his ongoing skepticism of mRNA technology, despite its proven safety and effectiveness in combating COVID-19 and other diseases. Experts warn that abandoning mRNA research could hinder future pandemic preparedness, although HHS states other mRNA applications remain unaffected and focus is shifting to universal vaccines.
The US government has canceled $500 million worth of contracts for 22 mRNA vaccine projects, citing ineffectiveness against respiratory infections like COVID-19 and the flu, amid ongoing vaccine skepticism led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who advocates for alternative vaccine strategies.
The Trump administration is withdrawing $500 million in funding for new mRNA vaccine development to focus on broader, safer vaccine platforms, citing concerns about vaccine effectiveness against respiratory infections like COVID and flu. This move includes canceling contracts with Moderna, Pfizer, and Sanofi Pasteur, raising concerns among experts about potential vulnerabilities and the impact on biodefense capabilities. The decision reflects a shift in vaccine policy under RFK Jr., amid ongoing debates about vaccine efficacy and safety.
The Trump administration ended a significant HIV vaccine research program led by Duke University, citing duplication and cost concerns, marking a setback in AIDS research despite recent scientific advances and discoveries made by the program.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. canceled a $766 million government contract with Moderna for bird flu vaccine development, citing safety concerns about mRNA technology, despite scientific consensus on its safety and efficacy. He also announced a controversial shift in COVID booster recommendations, reducing guidance for healthy children and pregnant women, which has caused confusion and criticism from health experts and organizations. These actions may undermine public trust in vaccines and could impact future pandemic preparedness.
California and Arizona are experiencing a significant rise in Valley Fever cases, a lung infection caused by the Coccidioides fungus, with California reporting a 46% increase and Arizona an 11% increase in 2024. The disease, which is not transmissible between humans, can lead to severe lung problems and even fatal complications in some cases. Efforts to develop a human vaccine are underway, with the University of Arizona Valley Fever Center for Excellence receiving $33 million in funding, following successful development of a canine vaccine.
Researchers have successfully stimulated animals' immune systems to produce precursor B cells for HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), particularly targeting the gp41 region of the virus. This novel vaccine concept, tested on rhesus macaques and mice, shows promise for human application, potentially leading to a multi-step HIV vaccine regimen. The study, supported by NIH and other partners, represents a significant step toward developing a preventive HIV vaccine.
Researchers are developing an mRNA-based vaccine for the H5N1 bird flu virus, which is spreading rapidly among poultry and cattle and has infected two humans in the U.S. The mRNA technology allows for faster vaccine development compared to traditional methods. A study showed the experimental vaccine induced a strong antibody response in animals, providing the same level of protection as traditional vaccines. U.S. officials are considering vaccinating farm workers in close contact with the virus, with 4.8 million doses already prepared from a national stockpile.
Researchers are developing an mRNA-based vaccine for the H5N1 bird flu, which is spreading rapidly among poultry and cattle and has infected two humans in the U.S. The mRNA technology allows for faster vaccine development compared to traditional methods, with the experimental vaccine showing strong antibody responses in animal studies. U.S. officials are considering vaccinating farm workers in close contact with the virus.