(1888PressRelease)
June 04, 2009 - The Euro 5.15 million grant will fund preclinical development and Phase I and II studies for a vaccine that protects against both S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A; two very similar illnesses which, if left untreated, can result in complications and death. The currently available vaccines for S. Typhi do not protect infants and young children. S. Paratyphi A is a growing problem causing 25-50% of all Typhoid cases.
"With more than 21 million cases of Typhoid fever worldwide and more than 600,000 deaths each year, this disease is a serious global health issue, especially in the developing world," said Dr. Daniel Vasella, Chairman and CEO of Novartis. "The bivalent vaccine being developed by NVGH will use a novel approach to increase efficacy and address the needs of patients that other vaccines have not. This will ultimately have the potential to eradicate this disease."
The NVGH opened in 2008 with a focus on addressing the unmet medical need for vaccines for diseases of the developing world. In addition to leveraging prior experience in R&D for the development of conjugate vaccines targeting Salmonella, NVGH research will build upon a promising prototype conjugate vaccine developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NVGH aims to have a product ready for clinical trials by the end of 2010.
Expert advice, project support, and strategic oversight will be provided by the Wellcome Trust. "This initiative is a welcome and important contribution to the fight against infection" said Dr. Ted Bianco, Director of Technology Transfer at the Wellcome Trust. "Partnerships between public and private sector research give us the best chance of effectively addressing the R&D needs of neglected diseases. The concept of developing a vaccine that can protect against both causative agents of Typhoid Fever makes great sense from a public health perspective, but requires a team of great skill to bring to fruition. I wish the NVGH team every success in this exciting endeavor."
About Novartis
Novartis AG provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in these areas. In 2008, the Group's continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 41.5 billion and net income of USD 8.2 billion. Approximately USD 7.2 billion was invested in R&D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 98,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.
Novartis Media Relations
Eric Althoff
Novartis Global Media Relations
+41 61 324 7999 (direct)
+41 79 593 4202 (mobile)
eric.althoff ( @ ) novartis dot com
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