Breakthroughs Blog: Research Roundup

In this regular feature on Breakthroughs, we highlight some of the most interesting reads in global health research from the past week. The Associated Press reports that “[o]ne in 10 cases of tuberculosis in China cannot be treated by the most commonly-used drugs,” due to drug-resistant strands of the epidemic. Because of this, there is an even greater need for newer or improved health technologies. Researchers at the fifth annual World Science Festival discuss the need for universal vaccines as “new diseases…continue to emerge.” Pharmaceutical company Sanofi could potentially find out in the fall of this year whether or not they can move forward in developing the most advanced vaccine to prevent dengue. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced a new public-private partnership initiative between the US and Norway to improve maternal health, including a partnership with drug maker Merck & Co.

In this regular feature on Breakthroughs, we highlight some of the most interesting reads in global health research from the past week. A group at the World Health Assembly this week announced that it will combine four different proposals that aim to fund research and development for neglected diseases of the developing world. The Senate Committee on Appropriations has approved its fiscal year 2013 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. The bill includes funding for global health programs at the US Agency for International Development and the State Department. Leaders from about 50 research agencies have announced the creation of the Global Research Council, a forum that will examine issues important to science agencies worldwide. Malaria stakeholders, donors, and partners recently launched the Global Plan for Insecticide Resistance Management, which will address growing mosquito resistance to at least one class of insecticides around the world.

In this regular feature on Breakthroughs, we highlight some of the most interesting reads in global health research from the past week. On HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, GHTC members the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative and AVAC have released new materials and data on the search for and potential impact of this new prevention tool. The House Appropriations Committee voted on its fiscal year 2013 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill and released a report that clarifies its funding intentions for global health programs. The GHTC and Policy Cures stress that all stages of research—from early science to the later stages of product development—are critical to the successful creation of new global health tools. A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel has recommended that the agency approve the first over-the-counter HIV test, a kit that could return results for consumers in the privacy of their homes.

In this regular feature on Breakthroughs, we highlight some of the most interesting reads in global health research from the past week. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Results for Development Institute have released new reports that examine incentives for global health research and development. Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative have announced an agreement to collaborate on drug-compound screening for the neglected tropical diseases leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and sleeping sickness. Todd Park, US chief technology officer, discusses innovation efforts undertaken by the US Government, including the Entrepreneurs in Residence Program at the US Food and Drug Administration. The Institute of Medicine has released a report on how to make clinical trials more efficient and effective.