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Revolutionary TB Vaccine Breakthrough: Gates, Wellcome Boost Funding For Advancement
A groundbreaking milestone has been reached in the development of a revolutionary tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, M72/AS01E (M72). Wellcome and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have generously provided substantial funding to support a Phase III clinical trial, propelling the potential impact of the vaccine on combatting the global TB crisis. This article delves into the remarkable advancements in TB vaccine research, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to address this devastating disease.
The groundbreaking progress in the development of a revolutionary TB vaccine, M72/AS01E (M72) is taking the centre stage with substantial funding from Wellcome and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the vaccine aims to combat the global TB crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for new tools to save lives and reduce the burden of this devastating disease.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most lethal diseases worldwide, claiming approximately 4,300 lives daily, particularly among those living in impoverished conditions. In an extraordinary step towards tackling this infectious disease, Wellcome and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have announced significant funding to drive the progress of a promising TB vaccine candidate called M72/AS01E (M72) through a Phase III clinical trial. If successful, M72 could become the first new vaccine in over a century capable of effectively preventing pulmonary TB, a severe form of active TB.
The Global Impact of Tuberculosis
TB poses a severe threat to global public health, with an estimated 10.6 million people falling ill and 1.6 million succumbing to the disease in 2021 alone. This infectious disease disproportionately affects individuals in low- and middle-income countries, especially those enduring impoverished living conditions, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare. Alarmingly, nearly a quarter of the world’s population is estimated to carry the latent TB bacterium without displaying symptoms but are at risk of developing active TB.
M72 Vaccine: A Beacon Of Hope
The introduction of the M72 vaccine marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against TB. Wellcome has pledged up to US$150 million in funding, with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation covering the remaining US$400 million, to facilitate the Phase III clinical trial for M72. By investing in this potentially game-changing vaccine, these philanthropic organizations aim to mitigate the escalating threat of infectious diseases and protect the most vulnerable populations. Eliminating TB as a public health menace requires global collaboration, financial support, and political will.
Challenges And Limitations Of Current TB Vaccine
The current TB vaccine in use, bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), has been administered since 1921. While BCG provides protection against severe systemic forms of TB in infants and young children, its efficacy against pulmonary TB in adolescents and adults is limited. Given the rise in TB cases and deaths, innovative tools are urgently needed to combat this disease effectively.
The Urgency For New Tools
Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, emphasizes the pressing need for new tools to address the surging TB crisis. Investing in safe and effective TB vaccines, alongside innovative diagnostics and treatments, has the potential to revolutionize TB care, saving countless lives and significantly reducing the burden of this costly disease. Over 25 years, a vaccine with just 50% efficacy could prevent up to 76 million new cases of TB, saving 8.5 million lives and reducing the need for 42 million antibiotic treatments. Moreover, it could avert approximately US$41.5 billion in TB-related catastrophic household costs, primarily benefiting the world’s most impoverished and vulnerable communities, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO
Unprecedented Progress Of The M72 Vaccine Candidate
Among the 17 TB vaccines currently under development, the M72 vaccine candidate has shown immense promise since its inception in the early 2000s. Spearheaded by GSK, in collaboration with Aeras and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), the development of M72 has reached the proof-of-concept phase (Phase IIb). Notably, the Gates Foundation has played a crucial role in providing financial support for this groundbreaking research. During the Phase IIb trial, M72 exhibited an unprecedented 50% efficacy in reducing pulmonary TB among adults with latent TB infection, marking a significant breakthrough in decades of TB vaccine research.
The Envisioned Impact And Collaborative Efforts
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, acknowledges the importance of the Gates Foundation and Wellcome’s support in developing a new TB vaccine, highlighting the upcoming UN high-level meeting on TB as an opportunity for progress. These collaborative efforts and commitments demonstrate that concerted political and financial action can turn the tide on the TB crisis. Targeting adults and adolescents, who carry the majority of the TB burden, with an effective vaccine is crucial to reduce disease transmission and prevent avoidable deaths. WHO warmly welcomes the dedication of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Wellcome in advancing the development of this vaccine candidate while continuing to support broader vaccine development and access through the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council.
The Devastating Impact Of TB And The COVID-19 Pandemic
TB claims more lives annually than any other infectious disease, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the crisis. The pandemic has hindered the progress made over the past two decades in expanding access to TB prevention, testing, and treatment. In 2021, TB cases increased by 4.5% compared to the previous year, while fewer individuals received diagnoses or the necessary treatment. To achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ target of an 80% reduction in the TB incidence rate by 2030, the development of new tools to combat this disease is imperative.
TB And Vulnerable Populations
TB poses a particularly grave threat to individuals living with HIV, accounting for one-third of deaths among HIV-positive individuals. Moreover, resource-limited areas and the world’s most vulnerable populations bear the brunt of this disease, with over 80% of TB cases and deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
Investments In TB Research And Development
Over the past two decades, increased investment in research and development (R&D) has strengthened the TB innovation pipeline. Progress has been made in novel diagnostic tests, improved sample collection methods, and shorter drug regimens for both TB and drug-resistant TB. However, to truly eliminate TB as a global health burden, the development and deployment of an effective vaccine for adolescents and adults are paramount.
Accelerating Progress Through Research and Funding
Further investments in effective diagnostics, vaccines, and shorter drug regimens are crucial to expedite progress in combating TB. According to the Global Plan to End TB 2023-2030, an annual investment of over US$26 billion from 2023 to 2030 is required to scale up TB care and prevention services for all individuals in need. Additionally, TB R&D necessitates an extra US$5 billion per year during this period. Achieving these targets requires substantial global support, both in terms of financial backing and political will, to drive innovation, manufacture, and distribute a robust pipeline of TB diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. This collective effort will save and protect millions of lives from the grip of TB.
Wellcome’s Commitment To Global Health Challenges
Wellcome remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting scientific endeavors that aim to address urgent health challenges on a global scale. With a focus on life, health, and well-being, Wellcome actively supports discovery research and takes on three major worldwide health challenges: mental health, infectious diseases, and the intersection of climate and health. By investing in cutting-edge research and fostering collaborations, Wellcome aims to find innovative solutions and drive progress in these critical areas.
The Milestone Funding for the M72 TB Vaccine Candidate
The recent announcement of funding from Wellcome and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to advance the M72/AS01E (M72) TB vaccine candidate marks a significant milestone in the fight against tuberculosis. This substantial financial support will propel the Phase III clinical trial of the vaccine, which aims to evaluate its efficacy in preventing the progression from latent TB infection to active pulmonary TB. The trial, sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute, will be conducted in collaboration with TB clinical investigators across multiple sites in Africa and Southeast Asia.
The Potential of M72 Vaccine For A TB-Free Future
The M72 vaccine holds immense promise as a potential game-changer in the fight against TB. If successful, it could become the first new vaccine in over a century that effectively prevents pulmonary TB, a severe form of active TB. The urgent need for new tools to combat TB is evident due to the staggering global burden of the disease, with millions of cases and deaths each year. Effective vaccines, along with improved diagnostics and treatments, are crucial to reducing the burden of this costly disease and saving countless lives.
Collaboration, Investment, And Political Will
To overcome the challenges posed by TB, sustained investment in research and development, global collaboration, and political will are crucial. The Gates Foundation and Wellcome’s support for the M72 vaccine candidate is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in tackling global health issues. By working together, we can pave the way for a future free from the burden of TB, saving lives and creating healthier communities worldwide.
The funding boost provided by Wellcome and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has significantly advanced the development of the M72 TB vaccine candidate. This groundbreaking vaccine has the potential to revolutionize TB care and contribute to the global efforts in eliminating this devastating disease. However, the fight against TB requires continued investment, research, and collaboration to develop effective tools that can make a lasting impact. Together, we can work towards a TB-free future, where individuals around the world are protected from the grip of this deadly infectious disease.
US President Donald Trump has asserted that he is not jesting about his ambitions for a third presidential term, despite the constitutional restrictions in place.
While the U.S. Constitution prohibits any individual from serving more than two four-year terms, Trump indicated that it is premature to delve into such considerations.
Having assumed office for his second, non-consecutive term on January 20, Trump has hinted at his desire for a third term, addressing the matter more directly in a telephone conversation with NBC News.
“No, I’m not joking. I’m not joking,” Trump reiterated, though he acknowledged, “it is far too early to think about it.”
He hinted at potential avenues to pursue this goal without providing specific details.
According to the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, U.S. presidents are limited to two terms, whether consecutive or not. To amend this constitutional provision would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the 50 state legislatures.
Some of Trump’s allies have suggested the feasibility of extending his stay in the White House beyond 2028. Trump himself has alluded to this notion on multiple occasions, often in a manner that challenges his political adversaries. Should he pursue another term after the November 2028 election, he would be 82 years old, having previously made history as the oldest president at the time of his inauguration.
The tradition of limiting presidential terms was established by George Washington in 1796. This practice was largely followed for over 140 years until Franklin D. Roosevelt broke the norm by winning a third term in 1940. Roosevelt, who led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II, sadly passed away during his fourth term in 1945, leading to the enactment of the term limits amendment in 1951.
Steve Bannon, a long-time adviser to Trump, expressed in a March 19 interview with NewsNation his belief that Trump will indeed run again in 2028. Bannon noted that he and others are exploring ways to facilitate this ambition, including reviewing the definition of term limits. “We’re working on it,” he stated, underscoring the ongoing discussions surrounding Trump’s political future.
Traders in Lagos have voiced their concerns regarding the significant decline in food sales, particularly for pepper, attributing the downturn to rising prices and the diminished purchasing power of local residents.
In interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), both traders and consumers shared their experiences regarding patronage as the Sallah celebration approaches.
Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, Chairman of the Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (Kaduna chapter), linked the situation to the heightened prices of produce and the weakened purchasing capacity of consumers. He stated, “Pepper prices in the north are also steep, with a jumbo 50kg bag reaching as high as N150,000, compared to N60,000 to N70,000 just months ago. This price surge may adversely affect the Sallah festivities, as only a few consumers may afford these products.”
Zuntu further explained, “Currently, we are outside the pepper farming season. Insufficient rainfall has led to a scarcity of this commodity, with only a handful of farmers involved in irrigation. Many will resort to using dried pepper, which is more affordable during this time, although demand remains low. We anticipate an increase in demand as the celebration nears.”
Mrs. Mistura Balogun, a pepper vendor at Lawanson Market in Surulere, echoed these sentiments, noting the unusually low customer turnout. “It’s not just pepper that has become expensive; many other goods have seen price increases as well. Typically, this time of year should see a bustling market, but today is quite different. I have been at my stall since morning, and the number of customers is minimal,” she lamented.
Similarly, Mrs. Mojisola Gbadegesin, another pepper seller at Idi-Araba market, reported a stark decrease in patronage. “Despite the high prices, we usually see customers buying pepper, but this year is different. The market feels deserted, and business is sluggish,” she remarked.
Mrs. Judith Amen, also a foodstuff vendor, highlighted that the rising prices of pepper and other food items are likely to escalate further as the celebrations peak. “At the start of the week, a small bag of scotch bonnet pepper was priced at N70,000, and I expect prices to soar over the weekend due to Sallah. A good quality bag of rice is selling for N85,000, while lower-quality options range from N60,000 to N75,000. Although patronage is currently low, we anticipate an uptick a day before Sallah, but consumers will only purchase what they can afford,” she explained.
Mr. John Nwabueze, a trader in the Agege area, expressed frustration over the lack of customers as Eid celebrations begin. “Sales have been notably low, with people buying only what their budgets allow. The market has been unusually quiet, affecting all commodities, including rice. A 50kg bag of rice is priced between N76,000 and N78,000, yet sales remain sluggish this Sallah,” he noted.
Mrs. Amina Fakunle, a resident of the Alimosho area, remarked that the high cost of pepper would lead consumers to celebrate in a more subdued manner. “Just six pieces of pepper cost about N500, which is the lowest price available. With these prices, people will likely opt for a low-key celebration,” she stated.
Mr. David Oriafo, a resident of the Dopemu area, also commented on the lack of festive activity in the market. “I managed to purchase a few items for my family to save costs, but it’s evident that the usual festive buzz is missing. People are only buying what they can afford, much like myself,” he shared. (NAN)
A Nigerian boxer, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, has died after slumping during a boxing match in Ghana.
The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Remi Aboderin confirmed the death of the boxer on Sunday.
The 40-year-old boxer, nicknamed “Success”, stumbled to the canvas while fighting Jon Mbanugu, a Ghanian, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra, on Saturday.
Olanrewaju was not punched or near his opponent when he collapsed violently in round three of the light-heavyweight bout.
The referee called the match immediately, and medical aid was ushered into the ring.
Olarenwaju died after he was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Ther boxer was a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion.
He competed in 24 bouts with 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws.
In 2022, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, another boxer, also died after suffering a technical knockout (TKO) in a bout at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Delta.
Igboanugo died after he took a fatal blow to the nose and did not survive the hit.