WHO meeting on development and evaluation of influenza pandemic vaccines, 2-3 November 2005
Background, Objectives and Meeting Documents
Background
objectives
- Obtain overview on the development of vaccine prototype viruses;
- Review evaluation of pandemic vaccines in animals and clinical trials;
- Recommend on research/activity to accelerate availability of effective pandemic vaccines;
- Identify opportunities to establish collaborative interactions between academia, industry and National Regulatory Authorities in the area of influenza pandemic vaccines.
summary
Vaccines could be of tremendous benefit in reducing influenza-associated morbidity and mortality during a pandemic. However production and regulation of a vaccine against a pandemic strain will be an enormous challenge. Producers and regulators alike are likely to be under extreme pressures to deliver as quickly as possible an effective but safe product.
WHO is trying to stimulate activities during the pre-pandemic phase to gain valuable experience of development, production and regulatory issues. On 2-3 November 2005, a WHO meeting was convened to provide forum to review the progress in the development of the candidate vaccines and to reach consensus on the way forward.
The meeting obtained an overview on the development of vaccine reference viruses, reviewed evaluation of pandemic vaccines in pre-clinical and clinical trials, developed research agenda and recommended on activity to accelerate development of effective pandemic vaccines
The meeting concluded that at present, only limited information on clinical trials of pilot vaccine is available. Preliminary data allow suggesting that H5N1 and H9N2 pilot vaccines are safe, well tolerated and immunogenic. Variety of results obtained is subject of vaccine formulations, content of antigen and schedule of vaccination.
Following meeting recommendation, WHO decided to organize a consultation on progress in clinical trials of influenza pandemic vaccines and it will be held on 4 May 2006 in Geneva.