EIN Presswire: Nanotechnology Featured Press Releases

Maximise manufacturing efficiency and scale-ability for miniaturisation and bead milling

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:32:14 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ With 2 months to go join SMi at their 9th annual Controlled Release conference to be held on the 28th & 29th March 2012 London. This must-attend event will once again lead the way in examining the latest developments in nanomedicine and featuring fresh presentations from companies including GlaxoSmithKline, Lundbeck, Merck Serono and Genzyme.

Controlled Release 2012 will allow delegates to meet and network with key decision makers from the top pharmaceutical companies, as well as discuss & debate current issues such as challenges in drug formulation for oral delivery - where are we and what are the prospects for the future, challenges and opportunities for delivering biologics to the CNS and solutions for dissolution testing of non-oral formulations.

Network with key presenters within the pharmaceutical industry that includes:

• Peter Timmins, Executive Director, Drug Products, Science and Technology, Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Mark Wilson, Director, Collaboration Management, GlaxoSmithkline
• Simon Holland, Director, Process Understanding & Control, GlaxoSmithKline
• Bernd Riebesehl, Principal Fellow, Parenteral Dosage Forms, Pharmaceutical and Analytical Development, Novartis
• Mostafa Nakach, Head of the Pharmaceutical Engineering Group, Sanofi-Aventis
• Michael Keller, Senior Fellow, siRNA Project Leader, Technical Research and Development (TRD), Novartis
• Jonathan Brown, Senior Research Investigator, Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Tomas Landh, Director, Novo Nordisk
• Jan L. Powell, Director, Physiology, Shire HGT
• Lars Bauer, Senior Medical Director, Therapeutic Area CNS, UCB
• Karin Liltorp, Director, Preformulation, Lundbeck

Visit www.controlledrelease.co.uk for more information or to register your place. Alternatively, contact Ninica Hussain at Tel: +44 (0) 207 827 6115 or Email: nhussain@smi-online.co.uk

Advances and Progress in Drug Design - Discover the latest developments

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:29:11 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ SMi are proud to present the 11th annual Advances and Progress in Drug Design conference, taking place on 20th & 21st February 2012 at Copthorne Tara Hotel in London, UK. The number of pharmaceutical products entering the market has declined in the last decade. With the economic downturn and increasing threat from generic companies, pharmaceutical companies have never been under greater pressure to develop new innovative drugs. Many pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are now searching for effective strategies to improve hit-to-lead conversion and to identify unsuccessful compounds early in the development process.

SMi's Drug Design Conference will aim to address many of the challenging issues faced by the pharmaceutical industry in drug design. Key selected industry experts will provide you with timely and up-to-date information on many areas of drug design.

Why you should attend this conference

• Understand key strategies to increase the clinical success of your product

• Evaluate the design of allosteric modulators for the treatment of CNS disorders

• Discuss protein-protein interactions

• Identify novel targets in drug discovery

• Hear the latest in rational drug design

• Understand how computational tools can be used to reduce drug toxicity

• Use this as a platform to further your understanding of this field

Speakers presenting at this year's event include...

• Mike Hann, Director of Bio-Molecular Structure, GSK
• Jerome Amaudrut, Senior Scientist in Computer-Aided Drug Design, Abbott
• John Mathias, Head of Medicinal Chemistry - Inflammation & Remodelling, Pfizer
• Matthias Frech, Head of Molecular Interaction & Biophysics, Merck
• Suvit Thaisrivongs, Vice President, Discovery Chemistry, Pfizer

**Book before 31st October 2011and Save £300**

Visit our website here: http://www.smi-online.co.uk/2012drugdesign20.asp
Alternatively contact Ouasie Abdel-Razig on +44 (0) 20 7827 6734 or e-mail: oabdelrazig@smi-online.co.uk

About SMi Group

The SMi Group is a world leader in business to business information. With nearly two decades in the business, thousands of senior executives from blue chip companies have already benefitted from SMi's highly targeted conferences, workshops and publications. For more information visit www.smi-online.co.uk/pharma

Femtosecond lasers in photovoltaic production

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:55:21 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ Constant seek for lower production costs and improved efficiency of solar cells leads to a massive adoption of laser processes. Laser-based tools offer contactless processing in micrometer scale, by selective removal or modification of respective layer in a cSi wafer.
It is possible to get closer to the theoretical limit of efficiency of solar cell only by forming extremely precise layers (chemical processes) and performing high fidelity structuring and contact formation (laser processes). These goals can be achieved if wavelength of laser radiation conforms to the absorption band of the layer that is being processed. High performance stability, high frequency and sufficient average power are the prerequisites to reach the required level of energy density for a specific process, whereas pulse duration determines quality of processing - the shorter pulse duration, the higher accuracy of processing can be achieved. Femtosecond (<300 fs) pulses decrease probability of micro cracks and minimize outspread of heat affected zone, thus leading to advantages described below.
'Laser islands' standing in line with chemical baths today are mostly equipped with nanosecond lasers as a solution, which is cost effective but rather hindering some attractive applications like Emitter Contact Formation, Laser Doping, etc. As the new laser technologies become more powerful and affordable in terms of cost of ownership, nanosecond devices will be changed by more effective pico- and femto-second laser based tools that already make their way from labs to industry.
In 2009 the photovoltaic pilot line (industrial laboratory) of up to 2 MW was launched in Lithuania. Lithuanian laser technology company Altechna designed and manufactured laser based tool called ALTSE-001 performing four technological operations:
• laser marking
• edge isolation
• back contact laser firing
• dielectric layer ablation for front contact formation
ALTSE -001 is a flexible industrial research workstation, which is equipped with nanosecond and femtosecond lasers and has features like automated wafer handling and machine vision for wafer position detection.
System has two processing zones. In the first one three operations are being done: marking, edge isolation and back contact firing. These operations are executed with the nanosecond fiber laser, that has repetition rate up to 500 kHz, average power up to 20 W, wavelength 1064 nm.
Much higher precision is required for operation of second processing zone. Selective removal of dielectric layer (SiNx) on the emitter side of the wafers is being done with femtosecond pulses. Ablation is performed using 343 nm wavelength laser radiation with pulse repetition rate up to 100 kHz, average power up to 1,4 W. SiNx layer that is 50-90 nm thick, must be precisely removed by opening emitter without damage to it. While ablation of the dielectric layer, openings for bus bars and fingers are being created. On the next step ablated openings of the wafers are covered by nickel. Later on the nickel layer copper is being deposited. In this way high quality front contacts are formed and more expensive silver is substituted by copper.
18% efficiency of the cells is expected to be evident by the end of year 2010.
From now on Altechna represents its R&D activities under a new brand name - Workshop of Photonics. Workshop here bears two meanings: it is a place where photonic equipment is made and at the same time, in our laboratories, exchange of experience occurs between researchers from different countries, this reflects the spirit of open innovations.

Research Breakthrough May Add Potent New Weapon in Fight Against Dangerous Flu Strains

Wed, 26 May 2010 15:39:37 +0000

May 26, 2010 /EIN Presswire/ -- Futuristic research involving gold nanorods could result in a new family of antiviral medicines that treat a broad range of infectious diseases.

The current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences features a paper describing research conducted jointly by scientists at the University of Buffalo and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that effectively delivers potent immune-boosting payloads by gold nanorods.

Read more at Nanotechnology News Today:
Nanorod news - http://nanotech.einnews.com/news/nanorod

Located at http://nanotech.einnews.com, Nanotechnology News Today is a service of EIN News, a global news monitoring service for researchers and analysts. Using a combination of proprietary search technology and human editing, EIN News delivers the latest nanotechnology news from more than 7,000 news sites from around the world. The latest news updates on these topics are also available in email and RSS formats.

About EIN Presswire
The EIN Presswire press release service is a news-syndication solution that distributes news to more than 10 million visitors annually at EIN News and millions more through its press release distribution partners. A news source for journalists, decision-makers and industry professionals worldwide, EIN Presswire targets press releases to a wide array of worldwide business professionals through more than 90 industry channels. EIN Presswire also offers affiliate network opportunities and news distribution to tens of thousands of news subscribers daily. Read the press release live feed at http://www.einpresswire.com and the latest world news at http://www.einnews.com.

Revolutionary Cell Culture Device Debuts in North America

Thu, 06 May 2010 05:59:24 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ May 5, 2010 -- Celartia Ltd. announces the introduction of its new PetakaG3™ Cell Culture Device, citing it as a major breakthrough for its ability to reduce cell culture contamination, improve portability, save space, and cut costs for a wide range of biotechnology and medical purposes.

Unlike conventional culture devices, PetakaG3 is Virtually Hermetically Enclosed™—requiring no additional CO2, no additional humidity and effectively eliminating contamination, spills and leaks. As a result, live cells can be handled safely and shipped in PetakaG3 devices without requiring freezing and dry ice. In fact, its slim profile allows it to be carried in a pocket. Because of its compact size, labs can realize 15 times more cell culture surface, per incubator, achieving a cost saving of up to 32%.

"PetakaG3 is the most advanced cell culture incubation device available today," says Dr. Emilio Barberá, CSO of Celartia. "It offers a long list of advantages other devices simply cannot—for cultivating cells, transporting them, collecting samples, and many other applications. One would need up to five or six separate products to do what PetakaG3 can do on its own. That's why we're very excited about the ability of this new technology to deliver groundbreaking quality, productivity and economic benefits to our customers."

Many years in the making, PetakaG3's innovative design is based on a re-sealable access port that keeps the interior of the device hermetic to exterior elements. Combined with a gas transfer quenching system and filtered exit vent, this permits safe and easy one-step access or retrieval. There are no caps or openings, no atmospheric contamination and no saturated humidity or added CO2 needed in the incubator. The number of routines and requirements are thus minimized, reducing cell culture costs.

Dr. Barberá foresees a future in which PetakaG3's safe and efficient design will make it ideal for automated robotic systems that will be able to handle thousands of units simultaneously, virtually eliminating human intervention and error. "The difference between new PetakG3 and any other device for culturing cells is radical. It's huge. We think it will be a boon to science and industry."

PetakaG3 Cell Culture Devices are now available in the USA and Canada. Complete details, specifications and pricing information can be found on the Celartia websites at www.celartia.com or www.petaka.com, or by contacting Bill Van Huffel at 877-962-4687 or bill@themagnuscompany.com

# # #

Nanotechnology in the UK Food Industry Attacked

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:04:10 +0000

Nanotechnology in the UK Food Industry Attacked

January 12, 2010 /EIN PRESSWIRE/ The UK Parliament has strongly criticized food companies for their lack of transparency when it comes to nanotechnology research and food.

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee chastised the food industry for being secretive with its lack of transparency on nanomaterial research being conducted to determine the technology's safe use in food products. It's a criticism that took the food industry and its lobbying group, The Food and Drink Federation, by surprise.

You can stay ahead of the issue and follow along with the advances in nanotechnology with these news sections on Nanotechnology News Today:

Latest Nanotech & Safety News - http://nanotech.einnews.com/news/nanotech-safety
Latest UK Nanotechnology News - http://nanotech.einnews.com/uk/

Located at http://nanotech.einnews.com, Nanotechnology News Today is a service of EIN News, an industry leader in news monitoring for business professionals and analysts. Using a combination of proprietary search technology and human editing, EIN News delivers to its members the latest nanotech news from around the world, saving them valuable time they'd spend searching for information. New users to Nanotechnology News Today can enjoy a no-obligation, one-week free trial.

About EIN Presswire
The EIN Presswire press release distribution service is a news-syndication solution that distributes news to more than 10 million visitors annually at EIN News and millions more through its press release distribution partners. A news source for leading journalists, decision-makers and industry professionals worldwide, EIN Presswire targets press releases to a wide array of worldwide business professionals in more than 80 different industries. EIN Presswire also offers affiliate network opportunities and news distribution to tens of thousands of news subscribers daily. Read the newest business news at http://www.einpresswire.com and the latest world news in more than 80 different industries at http://www.einnews.com.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute New Online Power Systems Management Master of Science Degree

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:21:59 +0000

/ EIN Presswire / Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is proud to offer a Master of Science degree in Power Systems Management to corporations worldwide. This specialized program combines essential topics in power systems engineering with technology-focused business courses.

ONLINE Program Starting Spring 2010!
The WPI Power Systems MS degree will be delivered 100% online starting spring 2010. All course materials, homework, and exams can be done over the internet and is available 24/7. Please contact us to learn more about this program at +1-508-831-4104 or email mmaslen@wpi.edu.

Program Overview
The Power Systems Management Master of Science degree consists of five (5) technical power courses and five (5) management courses, each three (3) graduate credits. The cost, the program and often the professor are identical to the on-campus program; instead, it will be delivered online, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of your location. Full program description is available at http://cpe.wpi.edu/opsm.html.

Power Systems Management Master of Science Degree Courses
• Introduction to Power Systems
• Fundamentals of Power Distribution
• Transients Power Systems
• Power Systems Operations and Planning
• Power Systems Protection and Control
• Operations Risk Management
• Engineering Economics
• Productivity Management
• Project Management
• Organizational Behavior

Registration
Complete the Registration Form at http://cpe.wpi.edu/images/SAO/ExtEdRegForm0207.pdf and fax to 508-831-5694. You will receive a confirmation notice once we receive your fax, and we will send payment information along with other pertinent details.

This program is presently being delivered on site at:
• National Grid
• ISO - New England
• Northeast Utilities
• Energy Council of the Northeast (ECNE)

Read Biotech News Today For Free This Weekend And Sample The EIN News Service

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:53:36 +0000

Sample the EIN News Service for Free With Our Latest "Free Access Weekend"

/EIN News/ It's time for another Free Access Weekend! This weekend, sample the EIN News service absolutely free and with no obligation. You'll discover why EIN News is such a valuable information tool for corporations, analysts, industry professionals, government organizations, educational institutions and private citizens.

Search engines today are becoming overwhelmed with irrelevant posts and opinion that passes itself off as fact. Stop the endless search and find out why EIN News' proprietary search with the human touch saves you time while also giving you the relevance you crave.

Until September 13, EIN News is giving visitors access to one of its 80+ industry publications: Biotechnology News Today.

To access the site for free, go to http://biotech.einnews.com and enter the following login information:

Login: free@einnews.com
Password: access

Biotechnology News Today brings you the latest news from around the world on stem cell research, genetic research, cloning, gene therapy, genome mapping, genetically modified food and much, much more from the world's most-trusted news sources and research institutions.

With our archive of articles, you can also access recent, relevant news articles that may have passed you by.

If you're an industry professional, an analyst, a student, an activist or simply someone interested in biotechnology, don't miss your chance to sample the EIN News service and stay abreast of the most up-to-date information on the web.

About EIN News
A leading online news distributor since 1995, EIN News combines search technology with the human element. EIN News' professional staff editors continuously update and supervise news search and editorial processes, delivering the highest-quality content to subscribers. With more than 75,000 articles posted daily and organized within more than 300 countries, regions and states, EIN News saves readers' time by stopping the endless search and delivering to members the news that matters to them. The EIN News team produces news sections for more than 80 critical industries and monitors more than 35,000 news sections. Discover the EIN News difference at http://www.einnews.com.

PREVIEW: The Middle East Waste Summit, 26-28 May 2009, Dubai

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:54:17 +0000

PREVIEW: The Middle East Waste Summit, 26-28 May 2009, Dubai
Delivering waste management solutions to the Middle East

/EIN News/ In a region where several countries rank as top waste producers in the world owing to their rapid development and a growing population, Dubai is leading the way towards embracing efficient waste management and recycling programmes.

To address the urgent need to deliver waste management and recycling solutions to the Middle East, Dubai has launched the Middle East Waste Summit to assemble 6,000 of the most influential figures in the waste management and recycling industry. It will provide a platform to debate, demonstrate and discover solutions to the current global challenges and protect the environment while supporting the region's tremendous growth.

The rapid development in the region, population growth, industrial diversification and construction activities have led forecasters to predict that the Middle East will invest billions of dollars in the waste management sector over the next few years.

Supported by the Government of Dubai, Dubai and Sharjah Municipalities and held in association with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), attendance at this event will allow you to meet the individuals and investors behind key projects and planning decisions. GCC countries are implementing their next-generation future waste management and recycling schemes. Therefore, the time is now to be involved in the future of this vital sector.

The Middle East Waste Summit has been developed to be solutions-orientated for businesses, government officials and NGOs across the board. Over 50 speakers will inspire an international audience at 11 conference sessions. Each keynote will feature an impressive line-up of influential leaders from the government, industry and academia.

The summit will also cover a range of themes such as waste and its effect on global warming, economy and the environment, domestic waste control, medical waste management, industrial waste management, landfills and waste, and energy solutions to support its objectives (see some examples of speaker profiles below).

MEWS also features a large exhibition showcasing over 50 companies from around the world, including a wide range of features. The features, which include a showcase theatre, roundtable forums and a Consultancy Clinic for free advice on implementing waste management strategy, will be open to all attendees.
Join more than 200 companies from 26 different countries that have confirmed attendance by booking your place at the conference, registering to attend the exhibition free of charge, or by hosting a roundtable session.
Visit www.wastesummit.com/register for more information.
- ends -

A SELECTION OF SPEAKER PROFILES:
H.E. Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman, Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation

As Director General of Dubai Customs and Executive Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Mr Butti possesses more than 20 years of solid experience in Ports and Free Zones Authorities and he is considered among one of the most influential socio-economic figures in Dubai.

His Excellency will chair the opening ceremony on May 26th.

Mr. Fareed Bushehri, Regional Office for West Asia, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Engineer Fareed Bushehri works for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) in the capacity of Regional DTIE Officer. Bushehri is currently responsible for assisting countries in West Asia Region with issues related to Sustainable Consumption and Production, Sustainable Building & Construction, Safer Production & emergency Preparedness & Response (APELL), Sustainable Tourism, Energy Efficiency, Cleaner Fuels & Technologies and Renewable Energy, Sustainable Transportation, Sustainable Procurement, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management System `(EMS).

Bushehri will be speaking at the opening ceremony on May 26th, 2009, to discuss 'Waste and its Effect on Global Climate Change.'

Mr Hassan Makki, Director of Waste Management Department, Dubai Municipality

Mr Hassan Makki is the Director of Waste management Department of Dubai Municipality and has more than 15 years experience in the field of waste management and public health services. He has officially represented Dubai Municipality at various local and international conferences and seminars and also been as a speaker at the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) World Congress at Istanbul, Turkey in July 2002.

Makki will be speaking on the keynote theme, 'Waste and its Effect on Global Climate Change' on May 26th, 2009.

Mr W Gregory Vogt, Managing Director, International Solid Waste Association (ISWA)

Mr. Vogt was named the Managing Director for ISWA in 2007. ISWA's mission is to promote sustainable solid waste management worldwide. To this end, Mr. Vogt participates in quorums, scientific panels, training courses and grant projects for the largest global solid waste management associations.

Vogt will be speaking at the opening ceremony on May 26th, 2009.

Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson, Emirates Environmental Group

Habiba Al Marashi is the co-founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, a pioneering non-government organization accredited with the United Nations Convention to Combating Desertification (UNCCD), the United Nations Environmental Program's (UNEP) Governing Council and the International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN). Mrs. Al Marashi is a board member of the UN Global Compact and President of the UN Global Compact GCC States Local Network. She is also one of the Founding Members and Treasurer of the Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC).

Al Marashi will chair a panel to discuss 'Consumption, Population and Cities' on May 26th, 2009.

Lina Chaaban, EnviroCare Manager, Tadweer

Ms. Lina Chaaban joined Tadweer waste treatment LLC as EnviroCare Manager. Chaaban established the EnviroCare Department within Tadweer and some of the major responsibilities such as handling the environmental requisitions within the plant & following up with the respective governmental sector for implementing environmental standards at the plant. Responsible for developing, implementing the company's awareness recycling programs for corporate & public organizations related to waste management.

Chaaban will deliver a keynote address on speaking on May 28th regarding 'Domestic Waste Control'.

Mr. Olabode Esan, Solid Waste Management Adviser, Abu Dhabi Municipality

Esan is the Solid Waste Management Adviser to Abu Dhabi Municipality, UAE - he is responsible for directing and overseeing the activities related to outsourced street cleaning and municipal solid waste collection, landfills and transfer stations services. He has played a key role in the implementation of projects in several countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Esan will speak on the challenges and opportunities of increasing urbanisation on May 28th, 2009.

Mr Reinhard Göschl, Managing Director, Emirates Environmental Technology Co LLC

Goeschl Reinhard is Chairman of the IuT Group of companies (Austria, UAE, Czech Republic, Poland and Singapore) and Managing Director and shareholder with Emirates Environmental Technology Co.Llc. in Sharjah & Al Ain, UAE where he has developed the largest project for landfill remediation.

Göschl will chair the 'Recycling & Landfills' panel on May 28th.

ABOUT TURRET MIDDLE EAST
A multi award winning company, Turret Middle East has launched and developed some of the most successful live events in the world and is a leading publisher within several market sectors in the Middle East. Originally set up in 2006 following more than 50 years of experience in the United Kingdom, Turret Middle East migrated its business headquarters to the UAE after becoming a foundation partner of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.
Turret Middle East's events annually represent more than 1,400 exhibitors and deliver more than 120,000 visitors in industry sectors as diverse as renewable energy, IT, food festivals and fine jewellery. Events include the internationally acclaimed World Future Energy Summit 2008 and 2009, winner of the AEO Best Launch Event, The Middle East Waste Summit, Dubai, and consumer shows such as the award winning Taste of Dubai food extravaganza.
For more information go to www.turretme.com
For more information please contact:
Thaisa Alvarez
Sr. Account Manager, Viola Public Relations
Tel: +971 2 6449444
Fax: +971 2 6451199
Email: thaisa@viola.ae

Algae Commercialization - Research and Business Networking Forum April 30 - May 1, 2009

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:02:47 +0000

Algae Commercialization - Research and Business Networking Forum
April 30 - May 1, 2009

/EIN News/ Press Release
The Sheraton North Houston
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Houston, Texas

"We have known for decades that our survival depends on finding new sources of energy. Yet we import more oil today than ever before……We know the country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century…But to truly transform our economy, protect our security, and save our planet from the ravages of climate change, we need to ultimately make clean, renewable energy the profitable kind of energy." President Barack Obama, February 22, 2009

Energy Secretary Steven Chu, while admitting the futility of predicting oil prices in the short run, believes that there is a rising demand for oil and that the price of crude will be significantly higher than today.

With those thoughts in mind, the National Algae Association was formed in 2008 as the first national trade association in the US for the algae industry. The NAA has grown at an astronomical rate, and our quarterly roundtable forums have been sold out. We are also in the process of developing curriculum for universities and high schools students interested in the algae industry. Our website, www.nationalalgaeassociation.com, has information about our organization and our forums.

Our next quarterly forum is scheduled for April 30-May 1, 2009 at the Sheraton North Houston in Houston, TX. Algae is a renewable fuel feedstock that does not affect the food channel but it does consume C02, and byproduct biomass can be used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, bio-plastics, and organic fertilizer. NAA´s focus on commercialization of algae as an alternative fuel is now on a fast track!

Thanks,

National Algae Association
4747 Research Forest Dr., Suite 180
The Woodlands, Texas 77381
936.321.1125 www.nationalalgaeassociaton.com

Pneumococcal Disease Cause and Treatment Evolution in Asian Population

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:22:33 +0000

-- New Data Tracks Serotype Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance in China --

Bangkok, 18 March, 2009 - Pneumococcal disease-causing bacteria strains are changing and rates of resistance to commonly used antimicrobials (erythromycin and penicillin) are increasing according to new data from China presented today at the 7th International Symposium on Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance (ISAAR).

A study conducted in Beijing investigated the distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) serotypes 6A, 6B and 6C in 1997 and from 2000 to 2007, in children with upper respiratory infections. The study also assessed the effect of antimicrobials (erythromycin and penicillin) on these strains.1

Eight-hundred and sixty S. pneumoniae isolates were collected during the study, of which 109 (12.7 per cent) expressed serogroup 6. Of these, type 6A, 6B and 6C were identified in 62 (56.9 per cent), 38 (34.9 per cent) and 9 (8.2 per cent) samples, respectively. The results found that there was a decrease in the rate of serotypes 6A, 6B and 6C between 1997 and 2007 (20.3 per cent to 8.8 per cent, respectively). The results also found that serotype 6 is now 100 per cent resistant to erythromycin in China.1

During the same time period, the proportion of serotype 19A isolates increased from 2.59 per cent in 2000-2001 to 20 per cent in 2006-2007 while the rate of serotype 19A among penicillin non-susceptible increased from 3.92 per cent in 2000-2001 to 26 per cent in 2006-2007.2

“These results demonstrate that the distribution of pneumococcal disease causing bacteria is evolving. Serotypes that were previously prevalent are now less prevalent, while antimicrobials that were once effective have little effect today,” said Dr. Yang, Beijing Children's Hospital, affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. “Understanding how pneumococcal disease-causing serotypes and the effectiveness of routinely-used treatments are evolving will allow us to better manage this disease.”

Pneumococcal disease claims approximately 1.6 million lives each year worldwide. Up to one million of these deaths are children less than five years of age.3 Moreover, five of the top 10 countries with the highest pneumococcal disease burden are found in Asia: Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan.4

There are about 90 serotypes (strains) of the bacteria - S. pneumoniae - that cause pneumococcal disease. The spectrum of prevailing capsular types varies with age, time and geographical region, although common serotypes are consistently identified throughout the world.

The significant burden of pneumococcal disease and demonstrated efficacy of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to recommend the priority inclusion of PCV7 in national childhood immunization programs worldwide.3

Following inclusion of PCV7 into the routine U.S. pediatric immunization schedule, there has been a 98 per cent reduction in vaccine-type IPD among infants and toddlers younger than five years of age compared with a prelicensure baseline.3 In addition, the incidence of disease caused by the seven serotypes in PCV7 declined 55 per cent among adults 50 years of age and older, an un-vaccinated group.

Introduction of PCV7 has also been accompanied by a reduction in resistance to antimicrobials in strains covered by PCV7. After the introduction of PCV7, the United States had an 80 per cent decline in invasive pneumococcal disease caused by penicillin-resistant strains in vaccinated young children. Importantly, rates of penicillin-resistant IPD also decreased in all other age groups.5

Most recently, the pneumococcal serotype 19A, not covered by PCV7, has been increasing in prevalence in many regions of the world and is frequently resistant to antibiotics.6,7

PCV13 is an investigational vaccine that includes the 13 most prevalent serotypes associated with serious pneumococcal disease. Seven of these serotypes (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F and 23F) are included in Prevenar. The six additional serotypes (1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F and 19A) are associated with the greatest burden of remaining invasive disease. The Company initiated global pediatric filings for the candidate vaccine in 2008. The Company expects to complete the U.S. filing for pediatric use of the vaccine in the first quarter of 2009. The 13-valent candidate vaccine is also being studied in global Phase 3 clinical trials in adults, with regulatory filings expected in 2010.

“Since its introduction, Prevenar has had a substantial impact on public health, dramatically reducing the rate of invasive pneumococcal disease where it is routinely used. Our investigational 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is designed to broaden protection, with the potential to cover up to 93 per cent of invasive pneumococcal disease in infants and young children worldwide,” says Emilio Emini, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Vaccine Research and Development, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

ABOUT PCV7
PCV7 (PREVENAR (Pneumococcal Saccharide Conjugated Vaccine, Adsorbed)) is the first vaccine to help prevent pneumococcal disease (PD) caused by vaccine serotypes, including sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia and acute otitis media (middle ear infections).

PREVENAR is now commercially available in more than 90 countries worldwide and is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule in 35 of those countries.

PREVENAR was discovered and developed by Wyeth Vaccines, a division of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE).

For more information visit www.wyeth.com
Media Contact:
Mathew Thomas
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
Tel: +65 213 7959
Mobile: +65 9068 7108
Email: mathew.thomas@ogilvy.com
###

NOTES TO EDITORS

Wyeth
Wyeth is one of the world's largest research-driven pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products, nutritionals and non-prescription medicines that improve the quality of life for people worldwide. The Company's major divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and Fort Dodge Animal Health.

REFERENCES:
1.L Xue, KH Yao, ZJ Liu, SJ Yu, YH Yang. Antibiotic Resistance of Serotype 19A Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolated from Children in Beijing Children's Hospital, 2000-2007. Abstract Presentation at 7th International Symposium on Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance (ISAAR).
2.Zunjie Liu, Kaihu Yao, Sangjie Yu,Lin Yuan,Yonghong Yang. Epidemiology of serogroup 6 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from children in Beijing, China. Abstract Presentation at 7th International Symposium on Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance (ISAAR).
3.WHO (2007). “Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for childhood immunization - WHO position paper”. Wkly Epidemiol Record; 82(12): 93-104.
4.Rudan I, Boschi-Pinto C, Biloglav Z, Mulholland K & Campbelle H. Epidemiology and etiology of childhood pneumonia. Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2008; 86:408-416.
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