Vacunas contra el virus chikungunya: avances y perspectivas

El virus chikungunya (CHIKV) es un alfavirus cuya infección provoca una enfermedad caracterizada principalmente por fiebre y dolores articulares/musculares. Entre 25-50% de las infecciones se presentan con enfermedad crónica que puede durar de meses a años. El primer brote de CHIKV en Paraguay corresponde al año 2015, siendo el último en el año 2022/2023. Diversos candidatos vacunales contra CHIKV se encuentran en diferentes etapas de desarrollo, e incluso recientemente (noviembre/2023) fue aprobada la primera vacuna contra CHIKV llamada VLA1553 (Ixchiq). Adicionalmente, al menos 30 candidatos vacunales se encuentran en ensayos preclínicos/clínicos. Con la aprobación de la primera vacuna contra CHIKV y la posibilidad de otras que lleguen al mercado prontamente, debido al estado avanzado de otros candidatos vacunales, se abrirá un nuevo escenario en esta enfermedad. Se espera que la introducción de vacunas efectivas genere un avance importante para la prevención de esta enfermedad, disminuyendo los casos agudos y los efectos crónicos de la infección por el virus. En este trabajo de revisión se analiza el avance de las vacunas contra CHIKV, además de examinar los desafíos de vigilancia epidemiológica que plantean la introducción de estas vacunas.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus that causes an illness characterized mainly by fever and joint/muscle pain. Between 25-50% of infections present with chronic diseases that can last from months to years. The first outbreak of CHIKV in Paraguay occurred in 2015, with the last outbreak occurring in 2022/2023. Several vaccine candidates against CHIKV are in different stages of development, and even recently (November/2023), the first vaccine against CHIKV, called VLA1553 (Ixchiq), was approved. In addition, at least 30 vaccine candidates are available for preclinical and clinical trials. With the approval of the first vaccine against CHIKV and the possibility of others coming to the market soon, due to the advanced status of other vaccine candidates, a new scenario will open for this disease. The introduction of effective vaccines is expected to generate an important advance in the prevention of this disease, reducing acute cases and the chronic effects of viral infection. This review analyzes the progress of CHIKV vaccines and examines the epidemiological surveillance challenges posed by the introduction of these vaccines.

Evaluación de riesgo biológico en el control de calidad de vacunas virales / Biological risk evaluation in the quality control of viral vaccines

Las medidas de bioseguridad son el conjunto de conductas mínimas a ser adoptadas, a fin de reducir o eliminar los riesgos para el personal, la comunidad y el medio ambiente. Los laboratorios veterinarios manipulan materiales biológicos que pueden suponer riesgos biológicos tanto para los animales como para el hombre, por lo que los profesionales de estos laboratorios están expuestos a una variedad de riesgos relacionados con su trabajo que pueden afectar su salud. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el riesgo en el control de calidad de las vacunas virales mediante el uso del método BIOGAVAL, una forma cómoda y fiable de evaluar el riesgo de exposición a agentes biológicos. El estudio se realizó en la Unidad Empresarial de Base Control de la Calidad de la Empresa Productora de Vacunas Virales y Bacterianas el cual pertenece a LABIOFAM. La muestra de estudio estuvo conformada por 18 trabajadores, distribuidos en tres áreas. En los resultados obtenidos para valores superiores a 12 del nivel de acción biológica se requiere la adopción de medidas preventivas para reducir la exposición en el caso de Avulavirus, Pestivirus y Coronavirus, mientras que para Alphavirus se requieren acciones correctoras inmediatas ya que representa una situación de riesgo intolerable(AU)

Biosafety measures are the set of minimum behaviors to be adopted, in order to reduce or eliminate risks to personnel, the community and the environment. Veterinary laboratories handle biological materials that can pose biological risks for both animals and humans, so that professionals in these laboratories are exposed to a variety of risks to their health related to their work. The objective of this work was to evaluate the risk in the quality control of viral vaccines through the use of BIOGAVAL method, a convenient and reliable way to assess the risk of exposure to biological agents. The study was carried out in the Base Business Unit Quality Control of the Production Company of Viral and Bacterial Vaccines which belongs to LABIOFAM. The study sample consisted was 18 workers, dispersed in three areas. For values above 12 of the biological action level, preventive measures are required to reduce exposure to Avulavirus, Pestivirus and Coronavirus, while for Alphavirus immediate corrective measures actions are required as it represents an intolerable risk situation(AU)

VacciPharma 2020. V International Congress on Pharmacology of Vaccines

Dear colleagues: The Organizing Committee of the V International Congress on Pharmacology of Vaccines (VacciPharma 2020) organized by the Cuban Society of Pharmacology, BioCubaFarma and the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) would like to invite you to participate in this important event, scheduled for June 14 to 18, 2020 at the Convention Centre of the Melia Marina Varadero Hotel, Varadero Beach, Matanzas, Cuba. The Congress will be formed by different workshops and symposia such as: Meningococcal and Gonococcal vaccines Pneumococcal vaccines Pertussis and combined vaccines Enteric vaccines Leptospira vaccines Viral vaccines Animal models in vaccine development, QC and 3Rs Vaccine technology and bioprocess Vaccine technology transfers Patent, business and international cooperation VacciPharma 2020 is sponsored by: Cuban Society of Pharmacology (SCF) International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) Latin-American Association of Pharmacology (ALF) PAHO / WHO BioCubaFarma National research centers: Finlay Vaccine Institute (IFV); Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB); Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM); Center for Control of Drugs, Equipment and Medical Devices (CECMED); National Center for Animal and Plant Health (CENSA); Tropical Medicine Institute Pedro Kourí (IPK); National Center for Biopreparations (BioCEN); Center for Drug Research and Development (CIDEM); Center for Clinical Trials (CENCEC); among others International Manufacturers and Companies The key objectives of the Congress are: To provide a progressive state-of-the-art report for scientists, manufacturers, governmental authorities and healthcare workers, who need to be updated about the latest scientific developments for human vaccines, including basic science, product development, market introduction, immunization programs and epidemiological surveillance. To promote the scientific collaboration among experts and institutions through the experience exchange, the presentation of results and the discussion on the conference topics. To accelerate progress in the development of vaccines and the acceptance and introduction of new methods and technologies. Opening lectures, oral presentations and posters will provide you the opportunity to be involved in a high quality congress to discuss about the progress in the field of vaccinology and pharmacology sciences. Deadline for registration and abstract submission: April 15th, 2020 Further information can be found at the VacciPharma 2020 Website: www.immunovaccipharma.com