#Vaccine Technologies Market

[versatile-blogger-1]

Vaccine Technologies Market Is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Increasing Demand For Covid-19 Vaccines

Market Overview: The Vaccine Technologies Market offers a range of products that are used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. These products provide several advantages such as long-term immunity, cost-effectiveness, and reduced risk of transmission. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for vaccines has soared. The need for effective and safe vaccines to combat the virus has become more crucial than ever. Market Key Trends: One key trend in the Vaccine Technologies Market is the development of mRNA-based vaccines. mRNA-based vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, have shown promising results in combating COVID-19. These vaccines use a novel approach that enables the immune system to recognize and fight the virus. The success of mRNA-based vaccines in the fight against COVID-19 has paved the way for their application in other infectious diseases and has spurred further research and development in this field.

The global Vaccine Technologies Market Size is estimated to be valued at US$45.40 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. PEST Analysis: Political: The political factors influencing the vaccine technologies market include government regulations and policies related to healthcare and vaccination programs. Governments play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of vaccines, as well as in implementing immunization campaigns. Political stability and support for research and development also contribute to the growth of the market. Economic: Economic factors such as healthcare expenditure, affordability, and reimbursement policies impact the vaccine technologies market. The growth of the middle-class population and rising disposable income in emerging economies drive the demand for vaccines. The cost-effectiveness and cost-savings associated with vaccination programs also play a significant role in market growth. Social: Social factors like increasing awareness about the importance of vaccinations and the prevalence of infectious diseases shape the demand for vaccine technologies. Changing lifestyles, urbanization, and population density affect disease transmission and create a need for preventive measures. Community perceptions, beliefs, and trust in vaccines also impact vaccination rates. Technological: Technological advancements in vaccine development, production, and delivery systems significantly impact the market. Innovations such as mRNA and DNA-based vaccines, adjuvants, and novel delivery methods improve the effectiveness, safety, and accessibility of vaccines. Digital technologies also help in vaccine monitoring, supply chain management, and adverse event reporting. Key Takeaways: The global vaccine technologies market is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting a CAGR of 11% over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to increasing awareness about vaccination, rising healthcare expenditure, and technological advancements in vaccine development and delivery systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the demand for vaccines and highlighted the importance of vaccine technologies. Regionally, North America is projected to be the fastest-growing and dominating region in the vaccine technologies market. Factors such as strong healthcare infrastructure, government support, high vaccine coverage rates, and the presence of major pharmaceutical companies contribute to the region's growth. However, emerging economies in Asia Pacific, such as China and India, are also expected to witness significant growth due to their large population, increasing healthcare investments, and rising awareness about preventive healthcare.

[techninja]

Navigating the Competitive Landscape of the Vaccines Market

Vaccine market growth

Vaccines play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health by preventing the spread of infectious diseases. As the need for vaccination continues to rise, the vaccine market has witnessed significant growth over the years. This article delves into the competitive landscape of the vaccines market, exploring its size, trends, analysis, research, and segmentation, while also highlighting the key industry trends shaping its future.

Vaccine market size

The vaccine market has experienced substantial expansion in recent times, thanks to increasing awareness, technological advancements, and government initiatives worldwide. According to market research reports, the global vaccine market was valued at over $50 billion in 2020 and is projected to witness a compound annual growth rate of more than 10% in the coming years. This remarkable growth can be attributed to several factors, including rising prevalence of infectious diseases, expanding immunization programs, and a surge in research and development activities.

Vaccine market trends

Keeping abreast of the latest vaccine market trends is crucial for industry professionals and stakeholders. One of the prominent trends in the vaccines market is the increasing focus on developing vaccines for emerging infectious diseases. With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, the demand for vaccines targeting novel pathogens has surged significantly. Additionally, there is a growing shift towards personalized vaccines, with the aim of improving efficacy and safety profiles. Furthermore, the adoption of innovative delivery methods, such as nasal sprays and microneedle patches, is gaining traction in the market.

Vaccines market analysis

In-depth analysis of the vaccines market helps industry players gain insights and make informed decisions. Market analysis involves examining various factors, such as market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. It also includes a comprehensive evaluation of competitive landscape, key players, market share, and strategic collaborations. Furthermore, analyzing regional dynamics and regulatory frameworks is crucial to understanding the market landscape on a global scale.

Vaccine market research

Rigorous and continuous research is the backbone of the vaccine industry. Extensive research efforts are dedicated to developing new vaccines, improving existing ones, and enhancing manufacturing processes. Research institutions, academic organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and governmental bodies contribute significantly to vaccine market research. Cutting-edge technologies, including genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics, are revolutionizing the way vaccines are developed and tested. Continuous research and development activities are essential to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the global population.

Vaccine industry trends

Apart from the specific trends mentioned earlier, several overarching vaccine industry trends shape the future landscape. Vaccination campaigns are increasingly leveraging digital technologies for patient tracking, supply chain management, and adverse event reporting. Additionally, there is growing emphasis on vaccine supply and distribution logistics to ensure equitable access across different regions and populations. The vaccine industry is also witnessing collaborations between public and private sectors, fostering innovation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.

Vaccine market segmentation

The vaccines market can be segmented based on various parameters, including disease type, technology, age group, and region. Disease-wise segmentation encompasses vaccines for infectious diseases, non-infectious diseases, and therapeutic vaccines. Technological segmentation encompasses traditional vaccines, recombinant vaccines, conjugate vaccines, and nucleic acid-based vaccines. Age group segmentation includes vaccines for pediatrics, adults, and geriatrics. Geographically, the vaccines market can be classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Analyzing these segments helps identify specific market dynamics and opportunities.

Global vaccines market

The global vaccines market is witnessing rapid expansion, driven by increasing investment in research and development, rising disease burden, and a proactive approach towards preventive healthcare. North America and Europe continue to dominate the market, owing to well-established healthcare infrastructure and favorable government policies. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness robust growth due to the growing population, rising healthcare expenditure, and increasing awareness about vaccination. Major players in the global vaccines market include Pfizer Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Sanofi Pasteur, and Merck & Co., Inc.

[mitalipingale]

https://bundas24.com/read-blog/111194_vaccine-technology-market-share-overview-competitive-analysis-and-forecast-2031.html

The Vaccine Technology Market in 2023 is US$ 55.9 billion, and is expected to reach US$ 124.44 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 10.50%.

[bishtmeenakshi]

Anticipating Tomorrow: Trends Shaping the Cancer Vaccine Sector

Navigate the dynamic Cancer Vaccine sector, anticipating tomorrow's trends. Explore the Global Cancer Vaccine Landscape, emerging technologies, and market trends shaping the future of cancer prevention.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved on our archive

By Jessica Rendall

Pfizer's and Moderna's formulas have been the go-to on pharmacy shelves, but Novavax remains an important option.

We're on the cusp of the fall season, which means respiratory viruses like flu, RSV and COVID are expected to keep spreading as weather cools and more people gather indoors.

Luckily, we've got vaccines in stock to help prevent respiratory viruses from turning into severe illnesses. In addition to flu vaccines for the general public and RSV vaccines for older adults and pregnant people, new COVID vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Novavax are available this season to reduce the risk of hospitalization.

This means adults have a choice in which COVID vaccine they receive: an mRNA vaccine by Moderna or Pfizer, or Novavax, a protein-based vaccine that targets the virus in a more "traditional" way. All three have been authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration. While Moderna and Pfizer have been widely used over the last few years, the Novavax vaccine is building up a bit of a following.

Novavax, a protein-based vaccine, is an option for those who don't want or can't take an mRNA vaccine. Novavax may also be appealing to those wanting to experiment with the "mix-and-match" approach to COVID boosters as a way to potentially strengthen the immune response.

"Even though mRNA vaccines dominate the market for COVID vaccines, it remains important to have multiple different types of technologies against various pathogens because each may have specific use cases," Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert and senior scholar with Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said in an email.

Here's everything we know about Novavax this year.

How is Novavax different from Pfizer and Moderna? Novavax is a protein-based vaccine, which people have associated with a "traditional" approach to vaccination. This is compared with mRNA technology, which does not use dead or weakened virus as an ingredient in the vaccine but instead uses genetic code to instruct the recipient's immune system to respond.

However, Adalja said that calling Novavax traditional may be a "misnomer" because it brings its own innovation to the table. Novavax uses an insect virus that has been genetically engineered to express spike proteins, Adalja explained, which are then incorporated into the vaccine.

"The vaccine itself is coupled with an immune system booster, called an adjuvant, which increases its immunity," he said, referencing a component existing vaccines have also incorporated.

This year, there are also slight differences between Novavax and Pfizer and Moderna's updated vaccines. Both mRNA vaccines have been tweaked to target the KP.2 strain of COVID-19, which is a slightly more recent version of the virus than what Novavax targets, which is KP.2's "parent" JN.1. While the FDA ultimately decided KP.2 was preferred in vaccines, all of them are expected to help protect against severe disease and death.

Who should get Novavax? Does Novavax have different side effects? Novavax was authorized by the FDA for use in adults and children 12 and older, so younger kids can't get this vaccine. But for most adults, which COVID vaccine you should choose depends on your preference and what your neighborhood pharmacy has in stock.

People may opt for Novavax for different reasons, though. For people who do not want to take an mRNA vaccine, having a protein-based vaccine like Novavax available means they can still be vaccinated for the fall and winter season.

Other people may be interested in Novavax for its use in the "mix-and-match" approach to boosting, which in the past has been associated with a strong immune response.

There is some early research that suggests Novavax may have fewer short-term side effects, such as muscle fatigue and nausea, but "we can't say this for sure," Joshua Murdock, a pharmacist and pharmacy editor of GoodRx, said in an email.

"This isn't proven, and side effects do vary by person," Murdock said. He added the CDC doesn't recommend one vaccine over the other, even in people who are immunocompromised.

In general, mRNA vaccines have been found to be fairly "reactogenic" compared to other vaccines, Adalja said, noting that it also depends on the individual. But if someone had a bad experience with the mRNA vaccine, Adalja said, they "may fare better with the Novavax vaccine."

Some flu-like side effects can be expected post-vaccine, no matter which one you choose. This includes symptoms like headache, tiredness, a sore arm and even chills. Not experiencing symptoms doesn't mean your immune system isn't kicking in, but experiencing some side effects may signal that your immune system is responding to the jolt, so to speak.

In rare cases, myocarditis or heart inflammation problems have been associated with COVID vaccination, particularly in younger men and adolescents within the two weeks following vaccination. Research so far shows that Novavax, like mRNA vaccines, may also carry this rare side effect though.

Following high levels of COVID this summer in the US, more information will be needed to see how all vaccines and their freshly targeted formulas fare against the virus that's expected to continue to spread this fall and winter.

"There's no strong evidence that one vaccine is preferable to another in specific individuals, but that will be an important avenue to study for more precision-guided vaccine recommendations," Adalja said.

How to find a Novavax vaccine Novavax announced on Sept. 13 that doses of its vaccine will be available at the following pharmacies:

CVS Rite Aid Walgreens Costco Publix Sam's Club Kroger Meijer Other independent pharmacies or grocers

Novavax also has a vaccine finder on its website. To use it, type in your ZIP code in the small search box, and pharmacies nearby with the vaccine in stock will be displayed.

[darkmaga-retard]

Pfizer’s principal scientist during the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine rollout has admitted on camera that the company skipped ten years of safety testing and understood the side-effects associated with the experimental vaccine. Despite this, Pfizer went ahead and released the vaccines anyway.

Justin Leslie, a former Pfizer employee turned whistleblower, has released a private conversation he recorded with Kanwal Gill, a principal scientist at Pfizer. The video, which Leslie made public in March, includes a sworn affidavit that can be found on his X account.

In the recording, Kanwal Gill discusses how Pfizer bypassed 10 years of clinical trials, using the pandemic as an opportunity to quickly bring the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines to market. She also reveals that Pfizer had been trying to develop mRNA technology for over 50 years but failed due to persistent side effects.

“We don’t even know… When we started, I tell people, we had no idea how it’s going to look like,” said Gil in the recording. “mRNA vaccines have been there for fifty years, but nothing went to clinical trial. Because mRNA vaccines have been known to have side effects.” Watch:

[mintytealfox]

Adding to the anon's AU idea (hope you are okay with that anon hehe)

I'm like lowkey picturing Norton being like canon Norton, a miner from the 19th to 20th century so he is kind of confused but curious on a lot of new modern technology. Maybe also annoyed because part of him so badly wants to learn how certain new tech works (no one can tell me if Norton had the chance, he would not try and take apart things to learn how they work, this man loves knowledge) but if he touches it, the entire thing will just break on him. So as a way to please Norton's curiosity, Alice gets him books from the library or lends him books from her own collection.

Norton also learning a LOT about world events that have happened while he was stuck in the mines. Example:

Norton: What's the Great Depression?

Alice: Oh, that's when the stock markets crashed horribly and everyone was surviving on cornmeal paste

Norton: oh...well, hey! You seem to thriving with all these fancy do-dags. The economy must have gotten better!

Alice: Oh. Oh hahaha, no its got worsen

Norton: huh-

Alice: Especially after Covid :D!

Norton: Wha-??

Alice: Which by the way, maybe its a good thing you are like a weird rock monster? Because then you can't catch it, because you know, despite us having a vaccine for it, some people didn't want to get it. Also i think it evolved.

Norton: //horrified

HIM STILL BEING FROM THE 1800s AND HAD BEEN IN THAT CAVE FOREVER YYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Person from another time now having to deal with new time period stuff IS ALWAYS A FAVORITE OF MINE~ THIS AU JUST GOT EVEN BETTER AND I DIDN'T KNOW THAT WAS POSSIBLE OHHHHH MY GOOSSSHHHHHHHHHH 👏👏👏👏👏👏

LOL the AMOUNT of stuff that has happened between the two time periods LOL OH NOOOOOO 🤣 "we had a world war" "oh.." "then another one 20 years after it" "???????" "and a load of other stuff, but anyway, cellphones" "???????????" "oh and coal miner wages are averaged around $21.52 an hour now" "IN AN HOUR???????????????????" "hey siri?" -robot voice responds- "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" Then all the flashing city lights that never turn off, talk about sensory overload! Even all the colors and scenes just constantly going on the phone and TV and Alice just needing to put all that stuff away at first cause woah could be a lot for someone who has been underground for so long! OH OH OHOO! What if he started collecting things from people he has scared out of the mines over the 100-something years and seeing the tech they would drop and putting it all in his little collector corner he has and seeing how its all changing and trying to figure out these broken things. Then Alice sees it all and is like "Oh this is so NEAT, history collected all just right here"

Oh man oh man oooohhh mmaaannnnn 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[narwatharsh01]

Tourism Market: Trends, Growth, and Industry Players

Introduction

The global tourism market is a dynamic sector that continually evolves in response to changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global events. As we delve into the current landscape, it is crucial to explore the tourism market size, growth patterns, industry trends, and key players that shape the sector's trajectory.

Tourism Market Size and Growth

The tourism market has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade. According to the latest data the global international tourist arrivals reached 1.5 billion in 2022, marking a 4% increase from the previous year. The tourism industry's robust growth is attributed to factors such as increased disposable income, improved connectivity, and a growing middle class in emerging economies.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, significantly impacted the industry in 2020 and 2021. International tourist arrivals plummeted by 74% in 2020, representing the largest decline in the industry's history. As the world recovers from the pandemic, tourism is experiencing a resurgence. The UNWTO estimates that international tourist arrivals will surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2023, emphasizing the sector's resilience.

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Trends

The tourism and hospitality industry is undergoing transformative changes driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. One notable trend is the rise of sustainable tourism. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing destinations and businesses that adopt eco-friendly practices. Hotels, airlines, and tour operators are responding by implementing sustainable initiatives to meet the demands of environmentally conscious travelers.

Another trend shaping the industry is the integration of technology. From mobile apps for seamless bookings to virtual reality experiences, technology is enhancing the overall travel experience. The use of artificial intelligence and big data analytics is also becoming prevalent, enabling businesses to personalize services, predict consumer preferences, and optimize operations.

Tourism Industry Players

The tourism market is comprised of a diverse range of players, including governments, international organizations, tour operators, airlines, hotels, and online travel agencies (OTAs). Notable industry players such as Airbnb, Expedia, and Booking. com have disrupted traditional hospitality models, offering travelers a wide array of accommodation options and personalized experiences.

Governments play a crucial role in shaping the tourism landscape through policies, infrastructure development, and destination marketing. Collaborations between public and private sectors are essential to foster sustainable growth and address challenges such as over-tourism and environmental impact.

Tourism Market Analysis

A comprehensive analysis of the tourism market involves assessing key factors such as market dynamics, competitive landscape, and regulatory environments. The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as a powerhouse in the tourism sector, with countries like China, India, and Japan experiencing substantial growth. In contrast, established destinations in Europe and North America continue to attract millions of tourists annually.

The post-pandemic recovery has prompted a shift in travel preferences, with a surge in demand for domestic and outdoor experiences. Travelers are seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, contributing to the diversification of the tourism market.

Travel and Tourism Industry Outlook

Looking ahead, the outlook for the travel and tourism industry is optimistic. The industry is expected to rebound strongly, driven by pent-up demand, increased vaccination rates, and the easing of travel restrictions. The global tourism market is projected to reach $11.38 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2020 to 2027.

In conclusion, the tourism market is a vibrant and resilient sector that continues to adapt to changing circumstances. Understanding the market size, growth trends, industry players, and emerging dynamics is crucial for stakeholders navigating the evolving landscape. As the world reopens for travel, the industry's ability to innovate and embrace sustainable practices will play a pivotal role in shaping its future success.

[mitalipingale]

The Vaccine Technology Market in 2023 is US$ 55.9 billion, and is expected to reach US$ 124.44 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 10.50%.

[ansixilus]

@cinturon-cadena I think you're the first person to correctly read the "and ask about it" part. 😋

Thumb Bone Doorways:

An example of "wow, this is a really cool idea, how would the world have developed differently if this had been introduced in history?" The premise: humans discover how to create portals, early on in history. I think I settled on classical Greece-era Egypt as the discoverers of how it worked. From there, the knowledge spread far and fast, and it's a fascinating thought experiment to wonder how radically history would change.

If you take a person's skull, their thumb bones, and their big toe bones, and you build them into two doorways, those doors become portals. The skull and toes stand at one side, the thumb bones at the other, and the span must be about what the bones would have reached in life. So long as the doorways stand unbroken, so long as they do not move relative to each other, the Thumb Bone Doorway shall last.

There are countless things to explore here:

In a world where the free infinite work energy exploit of having a perpetual motion machine was discovered millennia before conservation of energy laws, how wildly different would science evolve?

Each door requires the bones from a dead human. Is this a punishment for criminals, to have their body used as raw material? Is it an honor to be enshrined and allowed to help countless people throughout the years? Different peoples and different cultures will have wildly different views about the rightness of creating or using Thumb Bone Doors. Is this an honor, an iniquity, or just a common thing like a statue in a park?

Travel to established places is nearly effortless. How did this shape technology? Horses are much less needed when long-distance travel isn't long-distance at all.

It's said that historically, nations could only really grow to be a maximum of two weeks across. When you get farther than two weeks' travel, the system becomes unable to support itself. But here, anywhere can be a two minute walk away, if there's a doorway between here and there. Go through your village door into the market, and through a door there to almost anywhere. The very concept of borders and nations starts to break down.

Portals can be blindingly common, but they are also terribly fragile considering how much depends on them. Yes, we can make doorways that can last for centuries, but all it takes is one dedicated vandal with a hammer to break it. Once broken, it's broken forever, and a person's bones only ever open one door. Doors are endlessly useful, they're essential for civic infrastructure and war logistics, but you can't keep them hidden away. By definition, people must be able to walk right up and through them. Protection must be difficult.

Religion. Are doorways holy objects, making the impossible ordinary? Are they profane things, desecrating and enslaving the dead? Is there a God of Doorways who opens the way? Do you lose something of yourself when you pass through them?

I've always wanted to develop this idea. It could be endlessly fascinating.

System Ghost

Thirty years ago, a terrorist group dispersed a large number of stolen biological weapons across much of the developed world. One of those weapons proved more bizarre than the rest, a fast-acting retrovirus that was highly mutagenic, but somehow not at all carcinogenic. It would come to be called Darwin's Curse. At first, it was just a body horror nightmare, but it was almost as if it were sentient, directed. Within a year, it wasn't twisting people into flesh beasts, but instead causing changes straight out of X-men books. People were getting powers, humans were dividing into subspecies, and society was breaking at the seams.

There was chaos, there was calamity, there were wars, there were "cures" and "vaccines" that were worse than the disease. There were cullings and pogroms, concentrations camps, civil wars, and extermination attempts.

Now, thirty years after it began, some places are better than others. Bits of civilization made it through or rebuilt themselves, and parts of the world seem to be on an upward trend. In one of these cities, one filled with ostensibly "normal" humans, a young technopath woman can blend in with the "don't ask don't tell" atmosphere easily enough. Until one day, when she decides to help a mutant whose disguise is much more precarious by hacking a computer so he can get his business done faster. Now she has to deal with anti-mutant zealots out for blood, unsubtle political backstabbing she's completely unequipped to deal with, corporate espionage that she tried to leave in her past, and a life as an outcast she tried to leave even further in her past.

... I think I've written about nine paragraphs of this one's opening scene. 😔

[pramoja]

https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-vaccine-technology-market/3273/

[coochiequeens]

Say what you will about Barbie I do like that they are honoring women in science.

A space scientist, best known for presenting BBC One's The Sky at Night and CBeebies Stargazing, is to be honoured with a Barbie doll.

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock has been named as a Barbie Role Model for her work promoting science careers to girls.

It comes ahead of International Women's Day on Wednesday and British Science Week from 10-19 March. 

"I hope my doll will remind girls that when you reach for the stars, anything is possible," she said.

Earlier this month, the astronomer became the new chancellor at the University of Leicester, which is known for space research.

Dr Aderin-Pocock said she fell "in love with the idea of space travel" as a young girl and had since spent her career "trying to show girls how fascinating space science can be".

"I want to inspire the next generation of scientists, and especially girls, and let them know that STEM [science, technology, engineering and maths] is for them," she said. 

"These subjects are just too important to be left to the guys because through science, you can literally change the world."

Her doll has a starry dress reminiscent of the night sky and comes with a telescope accessory for stargazing, in relation to her work looking deep into space with the James Webb telescope.

Dr Aderin-Pocock said: "When I was little, Barbie didn't look like me, so to have one created in my likeness is mind-boggling.

"It's such an honour to receive this doll that is celebrating my achievements."

Toy creator Mattel, known for releasing dolls in honour of celebrities, is also recognising six other STEM professionals globally. 

Kelly Philp, marketing director at Mattel UK, said: "We know that globally STEM is a field widely recognised as under-representing women, so as a brand, Barbie is committed to showing girls more STEM careers. 

"In the UK, research tells us women make up only 26% of the STEM workforce, so showcasing an exciting career in space science like Dr Maggie's is just one way we are inspiring girls to think differently about their career opportunities."

Other Barbie Role Models include Covid-19 vaccine creator Prof Sarah Gilbert, broadcaster Clara Amfo, sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, teen skateboarder Sky Brown and boxer Nicola Adams.

[darkmaga-retard]

by Brian Shilhavy Editor, Health Impact News

In 2001, while living in the Philippines with my family, I became the first person to export a “Virgin Coconut Oil” from the Philippines to the United States.

The product wasn’t known as “Virgin Coconut Oil” in the Philippines. It was just known as common “coconut oil” that the poor people made by hand, using traditional methods, because it was cheaper to make this kind of coconut oil from fresh coconuts, than it was to buy the mass-produced machine-made refined coconut oil sold in the grocery stores.

We had spent the previous two years developing our Philippine Herb company in the Philippines, and exporting some of these herbs to the U.S. for the herbal supplement industry.

Handmade coconut oil using traditional methods, was an afterthought for us, but because it was the dietary oil our family was now consuming in the Philippines at that time, we decided to offer it for sale in the U.S. also.

The rest is history, as it quickly became our #1 product, changing so many people’s lives that powerful forces tried to destroy us to stop the sale of this simple dietary oil that had nourished tropical populations for thousands of years, with tremendous health benefits.

Those health benefits threatened market share of other products in the U.S., including pharmaceutical drugs and the “newer” polyunsaturated oils that technology made possible after WW II, and today are normally referred to as “vegetable oils” made from corn and soybeans, which today are more than 90% genetically modified (GMO).

I wrote a complete history on our 20-year anniversary a couple of years ago:

[nuadox]

Horseshoe crab blood is vital for testing intravenous drugs, but new synthetic alternatives could mean pharma won’t bleed this unique species dry

- By Kristoffer Whitney , Jolie Crunelle , Rochester Institute of Technology , The Conversation -

If you have ever gotten a vaccine or received an intravenous drug and did not come down with a potentially life-threatening fever, you can thank a horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus).

How can animals that are often called living fossils, because they have barely changed over millions of years, be so important in modern medicine? Horseshoe crab blood is used to produce a substance called limulus amebocyte lysate, or LAL, which scientists use to test for toxic substances called endotoxins in intravenous drugs.

These toxins, produced by bacteria, are ubiquitous in the environment and can’t be removed simply through sterilization. They can cause a reaction historically referred to as “injection fever.” A strong concentration can lead to shock and even death.

Identifying LAL as a highly sensitive detector of endotoxins was a 20th-century medical safety breakthrough. Now, however, critics are raising questions about environmental impacts and the process for reviewing and approving synthetic alternatives to horseshoe crab blood.

We study science, technology and public policy, and recently published a white paper examining social, political and economic issues associated with using horseshoe crabs to produce LAL. We see this issue as a test case for complicated problems that cut across multiple agencies and require attention to both nature and human health.

Protecting horseshoe crabs will require persuading the heavily regulated pharmaceutical industry to embrace change.

An ocean solution

Doctors began injecting patients with various solutions in the mid-1800s, but it was not until the 1920s that biochemist Florence Seibert discovered that febrile reactions were due to contaminated water in these solutions. She created a method for detecting and removing the substances that caused this reaction, and it became the medical standard in the 1940s.

Known as the rabbit pyrogen test, it required scientists to inject intravenous drugs into rabbits, then monitor the animals. A feverish rabbit meant that a batch of drugs was contaminated.

The LAL method was discovered by accident. Working with horseshoe crabs at the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in the 1950s and ’60s, pathobiologist Frederik Bang and medical researcher Jack Levin noticed that the animals’ blue blood coagulated in a curious manner. Through a series of experiments, they isolated endotoxin as the coagulant and devised a method for extracting LAL from the blood. This compound would gel or clot nearly instantaneously in the presence of fever-inducing toxins.

Academic researchers, biomedical companies and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration refined LAL production and measured it against the rabbit test. By the 1990s, LAL was the FDA-approved method for testing medicines for endotoxin, largely replacing rabbits.

Producing LAL requires harvesting horseshoe crabs from oceans and beaches, draining up to 30% of their blood in a laboratory and returning the live crabs to the ocean. There’s dispute about how many crabs die in the process – estimates range from a few percent to 30% or more – and about possible harmful effects on survivors.

Today there are five FDA-licensed LAL producers along the U.S. East Coast. The amount of LAL they produce, and its sales value, are proprietary.

Bait versus biotech

As biomedical LAL production ramped up in the 1990s, so did harvesting horseshoe crabs to use as bait for other species, particularly eel and whelk for foreign seafood markets. Over the past 25 years, hundreds of thousands – and in the early years, millions – of horseshoe crabs have been harvested each year for these purposes. Combined, the two fisheries kill over half a million horseshoe crabs every year.

There’s no agreed total population estimate for Limulus, but the most recent federal assessment of horseshoe crab fisheries found the population was neither strongly growing nor declining.

Conservationists are worried, and not just about the crabs. Millions of shorebirds migrate along the Atlantic coast, and many stop in spring, when horseshoe crabs spawn on mid-Atlantic beaches, to feed on the crabs’ eggs. Particularly for red knots – a species that can migrate up to 9,000 miles between the tip of South America and the Canadian Arctic – gorging on horseshoe crab eggs provides a critical energy-rich boost on their grueling journey.

Red knots were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2015, largely because horseshoe crab fishing threatened this key food source. As biomedical crab harvests came to equal or surpass bait harvests, conservation groups began calling on the LAL industry to find new sources.

Biomedical alternatives

Many important medicines are derived from living organisms. Penicillin, the first important antibiotic, was originally produced from molds. Other medicines currently in use come from sources including cows, pigs, chickens and fish. The ocean is a promising source for such products.

When possible, synthesizing these substances in laboratories – especially widely used medications like insulin – offers many benefits. It’s typically cheaper and more efficient, and it avoids putting species at risk, as well as addressing concerns some patients have about using animal-derived medical products.

In the 1990s, researchers at the National University of Singapore invented and patented the first process for creating a synthetic, endotoxin-detecting compound using horseshoe crab DNA and recombinant DNA technology. The result, dubbed recombinant Factor C (rFC), mimicked the first step in the three-part cascade reaction that occurs when LAL is exposed to endotoxin.

Later, several biomedical firms produced their own versions of rFC and compounds called recombinant cascade reagents (rCRs), which reproduce the entire LAL reaction without using horseshoe crab blood. Yet, today, LAL remains the dominant technology for detecting endotoxins in medicine.

A sample of horseshoe crab blood. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, CC BY-NC-ND

The main reason is that the U.S. Pharmacopeia, a quasi-regulatory organization that sets safety standards for medical products, considers rFC and rCR as “alternative” methods for detecting endotoxins, so they require case-by-case validation for use – a potentially lengthy and expensive process. The FDA generally defers to the U.S. Pharmacopeia.

A few large pharmaceutical companies with deep pockets have committed to switching from LAL to rFC. But most drug producers are sticking with the tried-and-true method.

Conservation groups want the U.S. Pharmacopeia to fully certify rFC for use in industry with no extra testing or validation. In their view, LAL producers are stalling rFC and rCR approval to protect their market in endotoxin detection. The U.S. Pharmacopeia and LAL producers counter that they are doing due diligence to protect public health.

Change in the offing

Change may be coming. All major LAL producers now have their own recombinant products – a tacit acknowledgment that markets and regulations are moving toward Limulus-free ways to test for endotoxins.

Atlantic fisheries regulators are currently considering new harvest limits for horseshoe crabs, and the U.S. Pharmacopeia is weighing guidance on recombinant alternatives to LAL. Public comments will be solicited over the winter of 2024, followed by U.S. Pharmacopeia and FDA review.

Even if rFC and rCR don’t win immediate approval, we believe that collecting more complete data on horseshoe crab populations and requiring more transparency from the LAL industry on how it handles the crabs would represent progress. So would directing medical companies to use recombinant products for testing during the manufacturing process, while saving LAL solely for final product testing.

Making policy on complex scientific issues across diverse agencies is never easy. But in our view, incremental actions that protect both human health and the environment could be important steps forward.

Kristoffer Whitney, Associate Professor of Science, Technology and Society, Rochester Institute of Technology and Jolie Crunelle, Master's Degree Student in Science, Technology, and Public Policy, Rochester Institute of Technology

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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