March 2024 Featured Report
The COVID-19 pandemic spurred rapid advancements in the biopharmaceutical sector, particularly in vaccine technology. Previous outbreaks laid groundwork, but COVID-19 accelerated innovation, notably with mRNA vaccines. Lessons learned include the need for robust vaccine production capacity and improved preparedness. Beyond COVID-19, these innovations hold promise for combating various diseases like cancer. Protein-subunit vaccines and glycoconjugate vaccine processing offer alternative approaches. CEPI aims for faster vaccine development, focusing on thermostability and alternative delivery methods. The pandemic catalyzed numerous developments poised to reshape the industry's future.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of vaccines, saving millions of lives. Innovations in clinical trials, like surrogate endpoints, accelerated vaccine development. mRNA technology emerged as a game changer, prompting investment for further enhancement. CEPI is exploring next-gen mRNA vaccines and rapid-response platforms like ChAdOx. Coverage extension and manufacturing capacity improvement are ongoing pursuits. Overall, the pandemic spurred vaccine innovation and global collaboration.
"In the vast universe of possibilities, one constant remains: change. Whether through technological innovation, societal evolution, or personal growth, humanity continually adapts. Challenges like climate change and inequality persist, demanding collective action and innovative solutions. Amidst uncertainties, hope arises from scientific advancements, cultural diversity, and the resilience of the human spirit. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, empathy, curiosity, and collaboration serve as guiding stars, illuminating the path towards a brighter future."
SK bioscience, a Korean firm, emerged as a key vaccine developer, notably during COVID-19. Spun off in 2018, it partnered with AstraZeneca for COVID-19 vaccine production and developed the SKYCovione vaccine. The company expanded its portfolio to include vaccines for pneumococcal infections, Ebola, and typhoid. Yong Wook Park, SK's VP of biological R&D, highlighted their diverse vaccine lineup, emphasizing the importance of protein-subunit vaccines due to their proven safety and cost-effective distribution. Manufacturing involves various hosts and purification methods, with scalability crucial for global demand. Adjuvants enhance immune responses, reducing antigen doses. Challenges include meeting regulations while ensuring yield and speed. SK aims to respond swiftly to future outbreaks, leveraging its platform technologies. This summary underscores SK bioscience's vital role in vaccine development, emphasizing protein-subunit vaccines alongside mRNA options.
The success of glycoconjugate vaccines in combatting diseases like Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis is notable, thanks to their efficacy and stability. Recent advancements leverage bacterial technologies to decrease production costs. However, challenges persist in understanding manufacturing processes, particularly sterile filtration. Research at Penn State delves into this, revealing insights into fouling mechanisms and the complexities of multivalent vaccine production. These findings inform future strategies for industrial-scale vaccine manufacturing, underscoring the importance of continued research in this critical area.
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Our Biopharmaceutical School is the perfect course to gain a well-rounded understanding of the Biopharmaceutical industry. Over three days, you will understand the principle steps in the biopharmaceutical lifecycle, including: raw material selection, up and downstream processes and core technology. Additionally, you will be familiarised with the latest industry trends, including Industry 4.0, and how these are likely to impact the industry’s evolution.
Through a combination of sessions led by experts from the likes of GSK and Pall Biotech, as well as group discussions with your peers, you will learn how to bring a biopharmaceutical drug to market. Each day will be chaired by a different member of the BioProcess International Academy faculty and there will also be time for networking and Q&As with the experts.
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