Ebola vaccine may be approved within two yearsJanuary 21, 2016 - 17:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - American pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. has signed an agreement with Gavi, the world’s biggest funder of vaccines for developing countries, to submit its experimental Ebola vaccine for regulatory approval by the end of 2017, Bloomberg reports. Gavi, which brings together funds from governments, companies, United Nations agencies and philanthropic groups like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, committed $5 million to the development of the vaccine in an agreement announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Merck will also ensure that 300,000 vaccine doses are available starting in May for use in clinical trials and emergencies. Merck has submitted an application to the World Health Organization to ensure use of the vaccine in an emergency. The WHO on Jan. 14 said that no new Ebola cases had been reported in the three worst affected West African countries in the preceding 42 days, signaling an end to the most recent outbreak. Just a day later, Sierra Leone confirmed an Ebola-related death, Bloomberg says. “The fact that we know the reservoirs of Ebola still exist underlines why we must learn lessons from the devastating impact of the crisis and ensure we are better prepared for infectious disease outbreaks," Seth Berkley, chief executive officer of Gavi, said in the statement. "The world is still worryingly under-prepared for potential future health threats." In July, a study published in the Lancet medical journal reported that Merck’s vaccine was 100 percent effective when it was tested on more than 4,000 people who were in close contact with Ebola patients in Guinea. Photo. ABC Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |