SEATTLE, Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) has joined the Advanced Immunization Technologies (ADITEC) program, a collaborative initiative dedicated to accelerating the development of the next generation of human vaccines. Launched on October 1st, ADITEC will operate with 30 million euros in funding over the course of 5 years contributed by the European Union, with an additional 11 million euros in funding from collaborating organizations.
ADITEC’s team comprises 42 universities and research institutions spanning 13 countries, including competitive European establishments and leading vaccine development, systems biology, and adjuvant centers in the U.S. The project is reinforced by a number of key European industries, including both large pharmaceutical and smaller biotechnology companies. These corporations are focusing on specific innovative technologies that will enable the development and manufacturing of safer vaccines. Additionally, the World Health Organization is supporting the project as a senior partner, ensuring that cross-cutting global health aspects of vaccines are appropriately considered.
This partnership covers a wide range of crucial aspects of vaccination, from basic research and new technologies to clinical trials and public health. It is anticipated that this high-impact project will lead to improved potency and safety of vaccines and their components; novel routes and devices of administration; optimized vaccination strategies; optimized formulations and vaccination methods for different age groups; better insight on the effects of gender; chronic diseases and genetic variation on vaccination; and widespread knowledge about the available new technologies.
ADITEC is coordinated by Rino Rappuoli and Donata Medaglini of the Sclavo Vaccines Association (SVA) in Siena, Italy. “We are at a unique point in vaccine history,” says Rino Rappuoli, President of SVA. “Progress in science and technology makes it possible to achieve what was previously deemed impossible.” As a member of the of the ADITEC partnership, IDRI will contribute its innovative adjuvant platform technology and expertise in vaccine development. “Tremendous progress can be made in developing safe and effective vaccines against infectious diseases that cause havoc globally by harnessing the expertise and efforts of our 13-nation vaccine program,” says Rhea Coler, Vice President of Preclinical Biology at IDRI.
About IDRI
The Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) is a Seattle-based not-for-profit organization committed to applying innovative science to the research and development of products to prevent, detect, and treat infectious diseases of poverty. By integrating capabilities, including early stage drug discovery, preclinical testing, manufacturing, and clinical trials, IDRI strives to create an efficient pathway bringing scientific innovation from the laboratory to the people who need it most. For more information, visit www.idri.org.
SOURCE Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI)
