HEALTH

06 - 20 - 2017

Clinical results in favour of an Ebola vaccine

The results of a Phase 1 clinical trial using a live attenuated Ebola vaccine have been published.

The vaccine was administered in three doses to 40 adults. No serious adverse effects were observed. Headaches were however reported. Transient viremia was observed without excretion. All vaccinated people had antibodies (IgG) directed against the virus which were still present 6 months after the injection (duration of the observation period).

These encouraging results send this vaccine into Phase 2 clinical trial.

In preclinical studies in the macaque the vaccine appeared to be well tolerated and protected against the virus.

HEALTH

06 - 16 - 2017

A new path for cancer vaccines?

Therapeutic vaccination is an avenue explored in the fight against cancer even though this type of vaccine has not yet been developed.

Inserm researchers have discovered in mice trials that nasal vaccine administration could be particularly interesting: all nasal treated animals were protected from head and neck cancer, whereas only half of those treated intramuscularly were treated.

This effect would be due to the activation of so-called Trm immune cells in the nasal cavity. If such the same results are found in primates, clinical trials will be initiated.

HEALTH

06 - 15 - 2017

Treating pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolisms occur as a result of the obstruction of one or more pulmonary arteries by a clot. If the embolism is massive, it requires emergency treatment. But fibrinolytics (drugs that dissolve clots) present risks of hemorrhage and surgery is difficult. Other types of intervention are sought after.

One team developed an ultrasound generator attached to the end of a catheter that is capable of destroying in vitro a 90% blood clot in less than 4 hours without fibrinolytic drugs or significant local heating.

Other in vitro and animal tests are planned before considering trials in the patient.

FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH

06 - 14 - 2017

Protecting skin from UV rays

Brown melanin or eumelanin naturally protects the skin against UV damage and the risk of cancer. This phenomenon is visible through tanning caused by exposure to UV.

Researchers in Boston have developed a locally applied substance capable of inducing the production of brown melanin by human skin (in vitro) and in mice, without UV exposure and for the time being without any detected side effects.

This discovery, which needs to be consolidated by efficacy and safety preclinical studies, could be used in the future to protect the skin from UV ... without using UV!