The European Medicines Agency (EMA) ruled positive about Janssen’s corona vaccine on 11 March 2021. The approval once again underscores the importance of animal research, especially monkeys.
Viruses that jump from animals to humans can cause dangerous situations. The current Covid pandemic is an extreme example of this. Another virus that is high on the risk list is the bird flu virus. To have a head start in case things ever really go wrong, research is already being done.
If we've learned anything from the past year, it is that we need to respond quickly to new viruses that spread from animals to humans. The usutu virus is an example. Still unknown to most people, but experts have been keeping an eye on the virus for a number of years.
The picture shows a so-called VAP, or a vascular access point. Patients receiving chemotherapy are often pricked. Poking regularly may cause damage to the blood vessel. That is why patients sometimes get a VAP. Thanks to this subcutaneous implant, a doctor can administer chemotherapy or draw blood, without damaging the blood vessel. Laboratory animals can also benefit from a VAP, for example blood donors.
The British variant of the corona virus, called Variant of Concern (VOC) 202012/01, is, as the name implies, cause for concern. This mutant is up to 70% more contagious because humans have higher virus concentrations in their noses. This mutant also seems to attach better to the cells of the airways.
Want to know all about our scientific progress in 2019?
We are pleased to present the BPRC Annual Scientific Report. It contains all the research highlights of 2019 as well as financial results and facts & figures.
Immunotherapy to treat autoimmune diseases has gained new momentum. Partly thanks to monkeys and mice, we now know more about how interleukin-2 works and how it can help patients in the future.
