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Okuyama R. mRNA and Adenoviral Vector Vaccine Platforms Utilized in COVID-19 Vaccines: Technologies, Ecosystem, and Future Directions. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1737. [PMID: 38140142 PMCID: PMC10748114 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
New technological platforms, such as mRNA and adenoviral vector vaccines, have been utilized to develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. These new modalities enable rapid and flexible vaccine design and cost-effective and swift manufacturing, effectively combating pandemics caused by mutating viruses. Innovation ecosystems, including universities, startups, investors, and governments are crucial for developing these cutting-edge technologies. This review summarizes the research and development trajectory of these vaccine technologies, their investments, and the support surrounding them, in addition to the technological details of each technology. In addition, this study examines the importance of an innovation ecosystem in developing novel technologies, comparing it with the case of Japan, which has lagged behind in COVID-19 vaccine development. It also explores the direction of vaccine development in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Okuyama
- College of International Management, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Beppu 874-8577, Japan
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Dhungel B, Thapa Shrestha U, Adhikari S, Adhikari N, Bhattarai A, Pokharel S, Karkey A, Limmathurotsakul D, Ghimire P, Rijal KR, Cheah PY, Pell C, Adhikari B. Use of antimicrobials during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study among stakeholders in Nepal. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002166. [PMID: 37963156 PMCID: PMC10645294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was a major public health threat and the pressure to find curative therapies was tremendous. Particularly in the early critical phase of the pandemic, a lot of empirical treatments, including antimicrobials, were recommended. Drawing on interviews with patients, clinicians and drug dispensers, this article explores the use of antimicrobials for the management of COVID-19 in Nepal. A total of 30 stakeholders (10 clinicians, 10 dispensers and 10 COVID-19 patients) were identified purposively and were approached for an interview. Clinicians and dispensers in three tertiary hospitals in Kathmandu assisted in the recruitment of COVID-19 patients who were undergoing follow-up at an out-patient department. Interviews were audio recorded, translated and transcribed into English, and were analyzed thematically. The respondents report that over-the-counter (OTC) use of antibiotics was widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. This was mostly rooted in patients' attempts to mitigate the potential severity of respiratory illnesses, and the fear of the stigmatization and social isolation linked to being identified as a COVID-19 patient. Patients who visited drug shops and physicians reportedly requested specific medicines including antibiotics. Clinicians reported uncertainty when treating COVID-19 cases that added pressure to prescribe antimicrobials. Respondents from all stakeholder groups recognized the dangers of excessive use of antimicrobials, with some referring to the development of resistance. The COVID-19 pandemic added pressure to prescribe, dispense and overuse antimicrobials, accentuating the pre-existing OTC use of antimicrobials. Infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics warrant special caution regarding the use of antimicrobials and specific policy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Dhungel
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Sanjib Adhikari
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Nabaraj Adhikari
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Alisha Bhattarai
- Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sunil Pokharel
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Abhilasha Karkey
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Direk Limmathurotsakul
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medical Research Unit, Faculty of tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prakash Ghimire
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Komal Raj Rijal
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medical Research Unit, Faculty of tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Christopher Pell
- Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bipin Adhikari
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medical Research Unit, Faculty of tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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van de Burgwal L, van der Valk T, Kempter H, Gadau M, Stubbs D, Boon W. An elephant in the glasshouse? Trade-offs between acceleration and transformation in COVID-19 vaccine innovation policies. ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION AND SOCIETAL TRANSITIONS 2023; 48:100736. [PMID: 37250374 PMCID: PMC10208527 DOI: 10.1016/j.eist.2023.100736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Against the backdrop of a failing vaccine innovation system, innovation policy aimed at creating a COVID-19 vaccine was surprisingly fast and effective. This paper analyzes the influence of the COVID-19 landscape shock and corresponding innovation policy responses on the existing vaccine innovation system. We use document analysis and expert interviews, performed during vaccine development. We find that the sharing of responsibility between public and private actors on various geographical levels, and the focus on accelerating changes in the innovation system were instrumental in achieving fast results. Simultaneously, the acceleration exacerbated existing societal innovation barriers, such as vaccine hesitancy, health inequity, and contested privatization of earnings. Going forward, these innovation barriers may limit the legitimacy of the vaccine innovation system and reduce pandemic preparedness. Next to a focus on acceleration, transformative innovation policies for achieving sustainable pandemic preparedness are still urgently needed. Implications for mission-oriented innovation policy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda van de Burgwal
- Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Tom van der Valk
- Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
- Raymond James Corporate Finance, Health Care, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hannes Kempter
- Raymond James Corporate Finance, Health Care, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Gadau
- Raymond James Corporate Finance, Health Care, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Stubbs
- Raymond James Corporate Finance, Health Care, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wouter Boon
- Copernicus Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Li S, Wu Z, Tang J, Wang S, Wang P. Research on urban country parks based on emergency medical facilities for public health emergencies-a case study of Guangzhou, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:81019-81037. [PMID: 37308625 PMCID: PMC10260384 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28157-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As COVID-19 has swept across the world, the escalating number of confirmed and suspected cases overwhelmed the admission capacity of the designated hospitals. Faced with such a grim situation, governments made a quick decision to build emergency medical facilities to address the outbreak. However, the emergency medical facilities faced a huge risk of epidemic spread and improper site could lead to serious secondary transmission. Using the disaster prevention and risk avoidance function of urban green space can solve the problem of selecting the location of emergency medical facilities to a certain extent, with country parks having a high degree of compatibility with the latter. Based on the location requirements of emergency medical facilities, using Analytic Hierarchy Process and Delphi method, through analyzing the type of country parks, effective risk avoidance area, spatial fragmentation, distance from water sources, wind direction, and distance from the city, quantification of 8 impact factors such as hydrogeology and traffic duration was conducted to comprehensively compare 30 country parks in Guangzhou. The results showed that the overall quality of country parks approximated a normal distribution, with Lianma Forest Country Park having the highest comprehensive score and the most balanced distribution of scores for various impact factors. Considering safety, expandability, rehabilitation, convenience, pollution prevention, and fecal isolation, it is a preferred destination for emergency medical facility construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Li
- College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002 China
| | - Zheng Wu
- College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002 China
| | - Jiefang Tang
- College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002 China
| | - Shuo Wang
- School of Public Policy & Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221000 China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002 China
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Editorial: Digital learning and education in a project society. PROJECT LEADERSHIP AND SOCIETY 2023:100083. [PMCID: PMC9997057 DOI: 10.1016/j.plas.2023.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
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Locatelli G, Ika L, Drouin N, Müller R, Huemann M, Söderlund J, Geraldi J, Clegg S. A Manifesto for project management research. EUROPEAN MANAGEMENT REVIEW 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/emre.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lavagnon Ika
- Telfer School of Management University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Nathalie Drouin
- École des Sciences de la Gestion Université du Québec à Montréal Montreal Quebec Canada
| | | | - Martina Huemann
- WU Vienna (Vienna University of Economics and Business) Vienna Austria
| | - Jonas Söderlund
- BI Norwegian Business School Oslo Norway
- Linköpings universitet Linköping Sweden
| | | | - Stewart Clegg
- School of Project Management University of Sydney Camperdown New South Wales Australia
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Okuyama R. Nurturing Deep Tech to Solve Social Problems: Learning from COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Development. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121469. [PMID: 36558803 PMCID: PMC9781701 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, a new technology that had never been used for approved drugs was applied and succeeded in rapid clinical use. The development and application of new technologies are critical to solving emerging public health problems therefore it is important to understand which factors enabled the rapid development of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. This review discusses administrative and technological aspects of rapid vaccine development. In the technological aspects, I carefully examined the technology and clinical development histories of BioNTech and Moderna by searching their publication, patent application and clinical trials. Compared to the case of Japanese company that has not succeeded in the rapid development of mRNA vaccine, years of in-depth technology research and clinical development experience with other diseases and viruses were found to have enhanced BioNTech and Moderna's technological readiness and contributed to rapid vaccine development against COVID-19 in addition to government administrative support. An aspect of the investments that supported the long-term research and development of mRNA vaccines is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Okuyama
- College of International Management, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Beppu 874-8577, Japan
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Minichiello A, Lawanto O, Goodridge W, Iqbal A, Asghar M. Flipping the digital switch: Affective responses of STEM undergraduates to emergency remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. PROJECT LEADERSHIP AND SOCIETY 2022. [PMCID: PMC8858435 DOI: 10.1016/j.plas.2022.100043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) catalyzed a global shift to distance education known as an emergency transition to remote teaching (ERT). While prior research investigates students' experiences during traditional online learning, fewer studies examine students' affective responses (i.e., feelings, emotions) to those experiences, particularly when remote learning is unexpected and unplanned. To understand how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduates responded affectively to the COVID-19 ERT, researchers generated open-ended survey data with 1340 undergraduates (253 female) in 27 courses across seven U.S. institutions. Using an inductive qualitative approach, researchers developed a three-tier thematic model to synthesize the self-reported reasons underlying participants’ affective responses to the COVID-19 ERT. Findings reveal a complex mix of positive and negative emotional responses among participants that included frequent occurrences of feelings of stress and uncertainty traced to a variety of external, internal, and contextual factors. Implications for STEM teaching practice are discussed.
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Daniel PA. Multi-level perspective framework in macro project studies: Towards a complex project organizing approach to sustainability transitions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Hanney SR, Straus SE, Holmes BJ. Saving millions of lives but some resources squandered: emerging lessons from health research system pandemic achievements and challenges. Health Res Policy Syst 2022; 20:99. [PMID: 36088365 PMCID: PMC9464102 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-022-00883-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, astonishingly rapid research averted millions of deaths worldwide through new vaccines and repurposed and new drugs. Evidence use informed life-saving national policies including non-pharmaceutical interventions. Simultaneously, there was unprecedented waste, with many underpowered trials on the same drugs. We identified lessons from COVID-19 research responses by applying WHO's framework for research systems. It has four functions-governance, securing finance, capacity-building, and production and use of research-and nine components. Two linked questions focused the analysis. First, to what extent have achievements in knowledge production and evidence use built on existing structures and capacity in national health research systems? Second, did the features of such systems mitigate waste? We collated evidence on seven countries, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, to identify examples of achievements and challenges.We used the data to develop lessons for each framework component. Research coordination, prioritization and expedited ethics approval contributed to rapid identification of new therapies, including dexamethasone in the United Kingdom and Brazil. Accelerated vaccines depended on extensive funding, especially through the Operation Warp Speed initiative in the United States, and new platforms created through long-term biomedical research capacity in the United Kingdom and, for messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, in Canada, Germany and the United States. Research capacity embedded in the United Kingdom's healthcare system resulted in trial acceleration and waste avoidance. Faster publication of research saved lives, but raised challenges. Public/private collaborations made major contributions to vastly accelerating new products, available worldwide, though unequally. Effective developments of living (i.e. regularly updated) reviews and guidelines, especially in Australia and Canada, extended existing expertise in meeting users' needs. Despite complexities, effective national policy responses (less evident in Brazil, the United Kingdom and the United States) also saved lives by drawing on health research system features, including collaboration among politicians, civil servants and researchers; good communications; and willingness to use evidence. Comprehensive health research strategies contributed to success in research production in the United Kingdom and in evidence use by political leadership in New Zealand. In addition to waste, challenges included equity issues, public involvement and non-COVID research. We developed recommendations, but advocate studies of further countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Hanney
- Health Economics Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Sharon E Straus
- St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bev J Holmes
- Michael Smith Health Research BC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Tackling grand challenges with projects: Five insights and a research agenda for project management theory and practice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Roope LS. The economic challenges of new drug development. J Control Release 2022; 345:275-277. [PMID: 35306118 PMCID: PMC8926434 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed highly successful efforts to produce effective vaccines and treatments at an unprecedented pace. This perspective discusses factors that made this possible, from long-term investments in research infrastructure to major government interventions that absorbed much of the risk from research and development. We discuss key economic obstacles in the discovery of new drugs for infectious diseases, from novel antibiotics to diseases that primarily affect the poor. The world's collective experience of the pandemic may present an opportunity to reform traditional economic models of drug discovery to better address unmet needs. A tax-funded global institution could provide incentives for drug discovery based on their global health impact. International co-operation would be needed to agree and commit to adequate funding mechanisms, and the necessary political will would require strong public support. With the current heightened appreciation of the need for global health system resilience, there may be no better opportunity than now.
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Celebrating the power of projects and their management. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Who are we? Reflections on the construction of project scholarship identity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Pinto JK. Avoiding the inflection point: Project management theory and research after 40 years. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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