UK vaccines network: Mapping priority pathogens of epidemic potential and vaccine pipeline developments

Abstract

During the 2013-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa an expert panel was established on the instructions of the UK Prime Minister to identify priority pathogens for outbreak diseases that had the potential to cause future epidemics. A total of 13 priority pathogens were identified, which led to the prioritisation of spending in emerging diseases vaccine research and development from the UK. This meeting report summarises the process used to develop the UK pathogen priority list, compares it to lists generated by other organisations (World Health Organisation, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) and summarises clinical progress towards the development of vaccines against priority diseases. There is clear technical progress towards the development of vaccines. However, the availability of these vaccines will be dependent on sustained funding for clinical trials and the preparation of clinically acceptable manufactured material during inter-epidemic periods.

Keywords: Epidemic; Outbreak; Pathogen; Priority; UKVN; Vaccine.

Fig. 1

Process used to generate and revise the UKVN priority list for outbreak diseases. The initial review was based on expert review of epidemic potential, vaccine availability and current therapies. This was revised after two years to take into account vaccine progress, new information and new outbreaks. The current priority list is shown on the right hand side of the figure. MERS- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, CCHF- Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever.

Fig. 2

Priority pathogens compiled from WHO Blueprint (blue), Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Orange), UK Vaccine Research and Development Network (purple), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease Priority A list.