European infrastructure for vaccine development
Although Europe has significant research expertise on various disease types, coordination between vaccine research and development (R&D) and production is rather fragmented. Better coordination would speed up the validation of vaccine candidates and promote the most promising leads. Funded in part by the EU, the 'European network of vaccine development and research' (TRANSVAC) project is a joint effort of leading European groups in the field of vaccine development. The ultimate goal of the consortium is to enhance coordination among stakeholders involved in all stages of vaccine development and propose a European roadmap for vaccine R&D. Networking activities by TRANSVAC partners include the establishment of vaccine development facilities, novel vaccine formulations and testing in animal models as well as the harmonisation of immunoassays for clinical trials. Researchers are in the process of optimising standard operating protocols (SOPs) on selected antigens and adjuvants used in vaccine formulations. A total of eight antigens used in different vaccines have so far been produced in bulk and made available. Also, a bank of cell lines suitable for good manufacturing practice (GMP) production of viral-vectored vaccines has been generated. Additionally, the consortium is developing assays to monitor the immune responses in various animal models following vaccination. Similar assays are being developed to assess the immune responses of individuals in clinical trials, and the operating protocols are being standardised for pan-European use. Workshop on the responsible use of animal models in pre-clinical vaccine development was attended by 30 stakeholders. Stakeholder meetings will help design a vaccine development roadmap for Europe that will promote vaccine R&D. By identifying the gaps and needs in vaccine R&D in Europe, the consortium will propose specific activities to improve these shortcomings. The TRANSVAC infrastructure will provide services in vaccine formulation and pre-clinical testing to expedite the process of vaccine development. In the long run, these activities would benefit areas of medicine such as cancer, allergy and diabetes.
