image: As part of our Vaccine Research Program, our faculty members are working across a broad spectrum of diseases toward developing new and improved vaccine protocols. view more
Credit: Trudeau Institute
Saranac Lake, N.Y. – Scientists at the Trudeau Institute are currently working with their colleagues in the U.S. Navy to study the development of new ways to better protect members of the Armed Services and the public from the threat of pandemic influenza through the use of vaccines and innovative triple-combination antiviral drugs.
In light of the World Health Organization's decision Thursday to declare a global pandemic for the first time in 41 years, the research takes on new importance.
Funds for the project were obtained through the joint efforts of Senators Kirsten E. Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer, who are also working to get additional funds allocated for a second project.
"We currently have an outstanding project underway with Navy personnel, and we hope to launch a second project to support the development of new triple-combination antiviral therapy this fall if funding is approved by Congress," said Trudeau president and scientific investigator David L. Woodland.
"The speed with which we have been able to undertake this work with the Navy has been due, in large part, to the vision and leadership of Senators Gillibrand and Schumer," Woodland added. "Our hope, as the research progresses, is that their foresight will help lessen the impact of pandemic influenza."
The current project seeks to improve the efficacy of existing vaccines. The second project, if funded, will look at improving protection from influenza by a strategy that combines the use of vaccines and new antiviral drugs.
"We are anxious to begin the second project as it involves a clinical trial, the results from which can be translated more quickly into public use," added Woodland.
"Our long-term goal is to create one vaccine that will provide years of protection against numerous strains of influenza. But on the way to that goal, we need to take steps to ensure the safety of those that protect our country and the public at large."
The Trudeau Institute is an independent, not-for-profit biomedical research organization, whose scientific mission is to make breakthrough discoveries leading to improved human health. Trudeau researchers are identifying the basic mechanisms used by the immune system to combat viruses like influenza, mycobacteria, such as tuberculosis, parasites and cancer, so that better vaccines and therapies can be developed for fighting deadly disease. The research is supported by government grants and philanthropic contributions.