Developing and Using Therapeutics for Emerging Infections

Jeannine S McCune1, Kellie S Reynolds2

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Insights

Emerging infectious diseases like measles and Ebola highlight the need for new therapies and public education. Pharmacokinetic/dynamic modeling is crucial for combating infections, but adherence challenges and drug resistance remain significant concerns.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (e.g., measles) and emerging pathogens (e.g., Ebola) underscore global interconnectedness.
  • The rise of infectious diseases necessitates advancements in therapeutic development and public health strategies.

Discussion:

  • Pharmacokinetic/dynamic (PK/PD) modeling has been instrumental in managing infections like HIV and Hepatitis C.
  • Therapeutic adherence is critical; poor adherence contributes to the development of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

Key Insights:

  • The journal issue covers preclinical models, PK/PD, pharmacogenomics, clinical trials, and educational efforts for emerging infections.
  • PK/PD modeling significantly reduces morbidity and mortality in viral infections.
  • Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a growing threat exacerbated by poor treatment adherence.

Outlook:

  • Continued research into novel therapies and robust public education are essential for managing future outbreaks.
  • Addressing adherence challenges is paramount to preserving the efficacy of antimicrobial therapies.
  • Lessons learned from past epidemics must inform strategies against re-emerging infectious threats.

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