Urgent efforts to develop and manufacture swine flu vaccines could see seasonal flu outbreaks pose a greater health risk in the next 6-18 months.
That’s the warning being made by chemical engineer, Keith Plumb, who this week organised a two-day conference for the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), that explored the process development of vaccines for influenza-type infections.
Plumb says the high-priority development and manufacture of swine flu vaccines are likely to supersede the routine development and manufacture of vaccines for ‘normal’ seasonal flu and warns the shift in focus could have longer-term effects.
“Obviously it’s essential that scientists and engineers are deployed to develop swine flu vaccines but this will come at the expense of existing projects, which will include the annual development of season flue vaccines that we are familiar with,” says Plumb, who is also Chairman of IChemE’s pharmaceuticals specialist subject group.
“This could leave us much more susceptible to other flu outbreaks in the next 6-18 months,” adds Plumb.
More than 40 experts attended the Biocontainment, biosafety and biosecurity meeting this week. The conference findings suggest the UK is better placed than many other countries to cope with swine flu because of tested emergency procedures set up by government and the high stocks of anti-viral medicines. However the outbreak has exposed an inadequate working relationship between government and commercial vaccine suppliers. Plumb says that relevant contracts do not appear to be in place to ensure the Government can stockpile the necessary quantity of vaccines. Plumb also says that while chemical engineers and scientists have already developed methods to mass produce new vaccines. However, strict pharmaceutical regulatory rules overseeing new products could delay their availability. A further concern is that resources have been diverted to fight bioterrorism despite the risk from this source being infinitesimally small compared with risk associated with seasonal flu let alone a new strain of virus.
“Without chemical engineers and scientist to develop and oversee the manufacture of the required medicines, vaccines and further methods of protection, the best efforts of the medical profession even in well prepared countries would be doomed to failure.” says Plumb.
About chemical engineers
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics to the process of turning raw materials into everyday products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
About IChemE
IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) is the hub for chemical, biochemical and process engineering professionals worldwide. With a growing global membership of some 30,000, the Institution is at the heart of the process community, promoting competence and a commitment to best practice, advancing the discipline for the benefit of society, encouraging young people in science and engineering and supporting the professional development of its members. For more information, visit www.icheme.org
