Equine autologous platelet concentrates: A comparative study between different available systems.

Reasons For Performing Study: Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) are being used increasingly in horses to enhance regeneration in tissues that have poor natural healing capabilities. Numerous APC systems, which are based on different preparation techniques and were originally developed for human patients, are now routinely used in equine cases. However, preliminary process validation and adequate in vitro biochemical characterisation of most of these systems do not exist for horses.

Rational approach to selection and clinical development of TB vaccine candidates.

A rational process is clearly needed and can be extremely helpful for selection, assessing and advancing TB vaccine candidates from entry into preclinical and clinical development and for advancing candidates from early safety and immunogenicity clinical trials to proof-of-concept and pivotal efficacy trials. A joint effort between Aeras and the Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative has focused on the development of objective criteria for a number of key general vaccine characteristics which can be assessed at critical stages of development. In order to maximize development efficiency, increase likelihood of success, and optimize use of scarce resources, this process includes establishment of gates for moving TB vaccine candidates through progressive development stages based on meeting the established criteria for specific vaccine candidates.

[Introduction of vaccination against human papillomavirus in developing countries: update and perspectives].

Cervical cancer and other diseases related to human papillomavirus (HPV) represent a global public health problem. Safe and effective vaccines are now available and already used in many industrialized countries. Immunization offers the best hope for protecting the population against a disease that is the second most deadly cancer in the developing world and the first most deadly in Africa.

Pandemic influenza vaccines: meeting the supply, distribution and deployment challenges.

An influenza pandemic will place an enormous strain on the world's vaccine production, distribution and administration systems. Following a pandemic declaration, industry's priority will be to deliver as much vaccine in as short a timeframe as possible. In respect to this challenge, manufacturers have successfully developed antigen-sparing strategies and significantly increased production capacity, with further growth planned assuming ongoing rising demand for seasonal vaccines.

Influenza vaccine supply: building long-term sustainability.

Influenza represents a public health paradox. The virus is responsible for significant death, disease and economic loss. However, despite the availability of safe and efficacious vaccines, uptake is poor.