American Institute of Chemical Engineers
Delaware Valley Section
Background
November 19, 2002
Development Challenges of Modern Vaccines Dr. Ann Lee
Vaccine sales, Merck's and the share of a joint
venture, have reached $1 billion a year. Merck's goal of rapid global growth
has lead to increased manufacturing capabilities (construction of a new
biologics pilot plant in West Point, Pa.) and through more than 50 product
launches in countries outside the United States.
The three most recently licensed vaccines provide the basis for future growth.
Comvax, introduced in 1997, is the first combination vaccine to prevent
Haemophilus influenzae type b and hepatitis B. Vaqta, launched in 1996, is
Merck's vaccine against hepatitis A. Varivax, launched in 1995, is the most
rapidly accepted Merck vaccine in 35 years. Use of Varivax has risen steadily
with increased public understanding that chickenpox can have serious,
life-threatening complications. More than nine million doses of Varivax have
been distributed in the United States.
The impact of Merck vaccines on public health worldwide is evident in the case
of the M-M-R II vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. Hundreds of thousands of
Americans caught measles and thousands died of the disease before 1968, when
Merck introduced the vaccine. In 1997, however, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention in Atlanta reported just 138 cases and no deaths. And in Finland,
a government-funded program is using M-M-R II to eliminate measles completely.
Continuing the Vaccine research includes:
Human papillomavirus vaccine (in early effectiveness trials): This vaccine
targets genital HPV, which affects 20 percent of all adults worldwide and causes
cervical cancer (500,000 cases annually) and genital warts.
Rotavirus vaccine (in early effectiveness trials): We are collaborating with the
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on the development of a vaccine for
rotavirus, a major cause of acute diarrhea and dehydration in infants.
HIV vaccine (in basic research): Prevention of HIV infection by a vaccine could
be the best answer to the AIDS epidemic.
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