On February 10, 2016

UVM Vaccine Testing Center to play role in Zika virus vaccine development

Submitted

The University of Vermont Vaccine Testing Center will be involved in the development of a vaccine for Zika virus, which was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization on Feb. 1.

The University of Vermont Vaccine Testing Center (VTC) announced Feb. 4 that it will be involved in the development of a vaccine for Zika virus, which was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization on Feb. 1.

UVM VTC faculty Kristen Pierce, M.D., (KP) an infectious disease specialist and associate professor of medicine, and Sean Diehl, Ph.D., (SD) an immunologist and assistant professor of medicine, have expertise in the characteristics of flaviviruses – a group of viruses, mostly transmitted via insects, that cause such human diseases as Zika virus, yellow fever, dengue, various types of encephalitis, and hepatitis C – and related vaccines. An infectious disease physician, Pierce has led or co-led several dengue and West Nile virus vaccine-related trials. Diehl studies the basic mechanisms of flaviviruses, vaccines against flaviviruses, and the immune responses triggered by flavivirus natural infection or vaccination.

“The VTC has a long-standing partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) lab that developed a dengue vaccine and is developing the Zika vaccine, and the VTC, together with the Center for Immunization Research at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., will be one two sites to test the safety and immune response testing of an NIH-developed Zika vaccine candidate in humans. Because of the potential for a link of Zika infection with birth defects, pregnant women or those who may become pregnant will be excluded from Zika vaccine trials,” Pierce and Diehl said in a statement.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Vermont’s regular deer season starts Nov. 16

November 6, 2024
Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont’s traditionally popular 16-day regular deer season that begins Saturday, Nov. 16 and ends Sunday, Dec. 1.  A hunter may take one legal buck during this season if they did not already take one during the archery deer season. “The greatest numbers of deer continue to be…

Hospitals report runs into furor over ‘major restructuring’ recommendations 

November 6, 2024
Analysis plunged state’s healthcare system into anxiety, uncertainty By Peter D’Auria/VTDigger Last month, a consultant released a sweeping report recommending significant changes for Vermont’s healthcare system, including “major restructuring” at four community hospitals. The 144-page state-commissioned document details a series of steps that Vermont’s hospitals should take to stay afloat, including repurposing inpatient units and downgrading emergency departments…

Amazon to pay $400,000 to Vermont for violating online sales ban on vaping products

October 30, 2024
Attorney General Charity Clark announced that Amazon has agreed to pay $400,000 to the State of Vermont to settle a dispute regarding violations of the state’s delivery sales ban, which prohibits the direct shipping of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping products, to Vermont consumers. The settlement resolves allegations that third-party sellers on Amazon’s platform…

Lt. governor candidate Rodgers wants Republican voters. Does he want the Republican label, too?

October 30, 2024
By Shaun Robinson/VTDigger In Vermont’s race for lieutenant governor a single label has been front and center. Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, a Progressive/Democrat and produce farmer from Hinesburg, is facing a challenge from John Rodgers of Glover, a former state lawmaker who owns a stone excavation business and also runs a hemp and cannabis business, who…