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In spite of years of effort, we still lack highly efficacious vaccines against HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and numerous other widespread pathogens. Two recent setbacks in vaccine trials suggest that it's time to rethink how new vaccines are developed and to investigate what can be learned from the existing armament of childhood vaccines.
Big pharma has historically made some substantial missteps regarding the full reporting of clinical trial results, but a new initiative by GlaxoSmithKline is a move in the right direction.
A new initiative for ensuring the reproducibility of biomedical research is commendable, but the involvement of a for-profit company may not be the right path forward.
This summer, researchers launched a strategy to accelerate finding a cure for HIV. The effort aims to revolutionize treatment of the infection, but the inherent risks require that regulators ensure a measured approach.
Biomedical research faces budgetary cuts in the United States and abroad. But although solutions to manage the restricted funds can be found, initiating change may be the greater hurdle.
Novartis's recent legal action against the UK National Health Service to prevent the off-label use of Avastin for macular degeneration challenges the current regulatory structures ensuring accountability for the safety and quality of drugs.
Recent advances in asthma research have altered views of how the disease is triggered and sustained. What remains to be seen is whether this knowledge can be integrated into the clinic to alter the natural course of disease.
Translational research that takes place in academic settings is increasingly being funded by private-public partnerships. As these partnerships become more prevalent, scientists need to strike a balance between the benefits from this welcome funding source and the protection of their academic freedom.
Despite intense efforts to rid the world of poliovirus, it continues to persevere. Given the serious limitations of the existing vaccines, the feasibility of eradication must be reassessed.
Budget cuts and administrative changes that have eliminated the Ministry of Science in Spain illustrate the need to safeguard science funding and policies in European countries immersed in the economic crisis.
Emergency contraceptive pills have long been a hot button issue in US politics due to their mischaracterization as inducing abortion and promoting promiscuity, leading to delayed approvals and restricted access. A recent decision on the Plan B One-Step pill suggests that, once again, science has taken a back seat to politics.
