The development of vaccines, innovations and projects that address problems such as cancer, some viruses and diseases without a vaccine have been launched
In a recent study by Vaccines Europe, it emphasized how important it is to continue researching and developing vaccines. And since Covid-19 it has become clear that, in a very short time, effective medications can be created to prevent serious diseases. Developments have been launched both in Europe, including the vaccine development, innovations and projects to address the current risks. Here are some of them.
Vaccines for cancer-related infections
Cancer is possibly the most worrying disease in our current society since there is still no generalized cure for its different manifestations. But there are infections that are related to some types of cancer, such as human papilloma or hepatitis B, which have a vaccine. Continuing to research the effectiveness of these vaccines in reducing the likelihood of contagion is crucial, as is raising awareness among the population about getting them.
The human papillomavirus, for example, continues to be a big problem, since many people become infected and it is women who are at risk of suffering from cervical cancer if they become infected with the HPV16 or HPV18 strains. Since the changes in the cells that occur are silent, prevention with vaccines is the most effective way to avoid the risk of cancer.
In order to take a step forward, the possibility that a vaccine can treat some types of cancer is being studied. And the company Moderna has begun to investigate a possible vaccine to treat cancers such as lung cancer or melanoma, the latter being the most aggressive skin cancer.
Speed up vaccine development
Possibly, Covid-19 will not be the first or the last pandemic that we have to face, since there are always new viruses or pathogens that can appear. When novel approaches are used and technologies are diversified, it is much easier to be more effective in rapidly developing drugs that protect the population from viruses if necessary.
In order to join forces, the pharmaceutical industry, academic institutions and governments must collaborate to offer better and faster solutions. However, the Vaccines Europe study also insists on expanding the number of platforms for the development of these drugs with the aim of bringing them to market without delays.
Antibiotic resistance: one of the great challenges
One of the great current challenges is resistance to antibiotics, which causes many people to get sick because these drugs do not have the expected effect because certain strains of bacteria become resistant to them. Therefore, current research focuses precisely on these resistant strains.
Diseases that do not have a vaccine and supply problems
However, there are many other challenges, such as the development of vaccines for those diseases that do not have one. One of them is avian flu, which has presented many cases in the last year. But, there are also circumstances that must be addressed, such as ensuring adequate supply of vaccines for the entire population and that new vaccines are introduced without delay.
The logistics, safety and proper conservation of the developed drugs is also a topic of high interest. Techniques such as freeze-drying or lyophilization allow the correct conservation of pharmacological products, vaccines or antibiotics.
The vaccination of vulnerable patients or those who need vaccines to prevent serious diseases is being actively promoted. However, more research is needed. Throughout Europe, pharmacological innovation and research is crucial, as is increasing investment to continue developing vaccines that continue to save lives.
