Question

Julio is a researcher and has been assigned to collect statistical data on the Zika virus. What level of research is hr working on if his findings will be used to develop a vaccine or new treatment?

Answer 1

Answer:

Julio could be in 2 levels: 1) a very basic one, in which he is collecting basic data about zika virus to improve his focus on the research next steps or 2) he is a advanced level, which he is collecting data about zika virus already studied in humans.

Explanation:

To develop a vaccine or a new treatment, some steps need to be follow - but a lot of research need to be done and that could take several years.

• Basic level - Once a disease-associated pathogen is recognized, it is necessary to identify its specific part that induces the appropriate immune response. It is usually conduct this with academic institutions as they have a deep biological understanding of the disease and its pathology.
• Since every disease has different characteristics, each vaccine will have a specific developmental process. Depending on the disease, agents may be reduced or inactivated or components of the agents may be purified and combined. The addition of molecules - known as adjuvants - may help to promote the body's immune response.
• Pre clinical tests  - Prior to any testing in humans, a new vaccine will undergo a careful research process in the laboratory and subsequently animal testing. These tests follow strict guidelines established by local and international regulatory authorities, and are only performed when other methods are not sufficient.
• Clinica tests (advanced level) - Human tests are performed in three phases, all regulated by international entities.

• After obtaining robust scientific results, the data are sent to the regulatory agencies of the regions and / or countries. This is the formal application seeking approval of the new drug/vaccine. Based on the research, it found that patients may benefit from the vaccine, but it is the regulatory bodies that make the final decision. The application for approval of the vaccine will include information about the disease, restrictions, warnings and how it will act on the body. Only after this approval can we make it available so that trained health professionals can prescribe it.
• The new vaccine is now manufactured and distributed and doctors receive the information approved by regulatory agencies, helping them decide when to prescribe it.