Vaccine development for emerging virulent infectious diseases

Area of Science:

• Vaccinology
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Recent outbreaks of Zaire Ebola virus, MERS-CoV, and Zika virus have significantly impacted public health and vaccine development.
• Classical vaccine development paradigms require re-evaluation in the context of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss vaccine discovery and advancement through pre-clinical and clinical assessment for EIDs.
• To analyze clinical trial design considerations for diseases with high mortality/morbidity during outbreaks.
• To explore factors influencing trial design amidst evolving epidemiology and urgent global needs.

Main Methods:

• Review of vaccine development precepts.
• Case study analysis of Ebola, MERS-CoV, and Zika virus outbreaks.
• Discussion of clinical trial design principles for high-impact infectious diseases.

Main Results:

• EID outbreaks necessitate adaptive strategies in vaccine discovery and development.
• Clinical trial designs for EIDs must balance urgent needs with scientific rigor.
• Epidemiological shifts and global perceptions critically influence trial design.

Conclusions:

• Vaccines for EIDs present a unique paradigm distinct from standard development pathways.
• The approach to vaccine development for EIDs requires flexibility and innovation.
• Understanding the interplay of disease characteristics, epidemiology, and societal needs is crucial for effective EID vaccine strategies.