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Project Description

Please note that we are a research service provider, not a pharmacy or clinic, so we are unable to see patients and do not offer diagnostic and treatment services for individuals.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, secondary bacterial infections and can be severely harmful. Our organisation offers full-fledged services on development of chickenpox vaccine and therapy.

Overview of Chickenpox

Chickenpox or varicella is an illness caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is a member of the herpes family, it is considered a highly contagious illness. Chickenpox is mostly present as an itchy vesicular rash, fever, and malaise, and mostly occurs in children but in adolescents and adult populations especially in the immunocompromised and pregnant woman might develop serious complications. The virus spreads through the oral cavity and by direct contact with the vesicular fluid of the skin lesions.

Historically, chickenpox was considered a benign childhood illness; however, it can lead to serious complications such as bacterial superinfection, pneumonia, and encephalitis. The incidence of chickenpox varies globally, with higher rates typically observed in regions with lower vaccination coverage. Effective therapeutics and prevention strategies are crucial, especially in populations at risk of severe disease.

Chickenpox research data analysis. Fig.1 Data from the chickenpox study. (Latasa P., et al., 2018)

Vaccine Development for Chickenpox

Live Attenuated Vaccines

The second generation of chickenpox vaccines is based on attenuated live strains of VZV as well. The chickenpox vaccine which was developed in the US in 1975 is said to stem from the Oka strain. The introduction of this vaccine in the USA during 1995 was an important step towards the control of that disease.

Recombinant Vaccines

In view of the evolution in molecular biology, recombinant vaccines are starting to be developed. These vaccines do not use live viruses but instead implement gene or viral protein sections to trigger the immune system's response. Even though they are still being researched they seem to be more effective and safer for other immunization approaches.

Combination Vaccines

The use of combination vaccines for example, the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) has made the immunization exercise faster. The use of a single vaccine that protects against various diseases enables the coverage rates of vaccinations to be higher while at the same time reducing the number of injections.

Therapeutics Development for Chickenpox

Antiviral Therapies

The mainstay of chickenpox therapeutic is the use of antiviral medications, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. These drugs interfere with the replication of the VZV, thus attenuating the degree and length of the illness. Early therapeutic, preferably within 24 hrs of rash occurrence is vital for better therapeutic results.

Immunoglobulin Therapy

Immunoglobulin therapies, like VariZIG, work to provide passive immunity to individuals considered high risk of certain complications, for instance, seronegative pregnant women exposed to VZV. These therapies are given after exposure in order to prevent or lessen the infection.

Our Services

We cover the whole range of therapy development from basic research and preclinical research. Through intensive work, we apply innovative approaches which guarantee that our vaccine and therapy products will be safe and effective. As far as adjuvants are concerned, we provide a range of preclinical research services including evaluation of immunogenicity and safety using modern technologies and models.

Vaccine Development

Therapeutic Development

Disease Models

Guinea Pig Models: an attenuated strain of VZV
Primate Models: VZV
Small Animal Models: Rats and Rabbits
SCID-hu Mouse Models
Nonhuman Primate Models Infected with Simian Varicella Virus (SVV)

Through these services, we work to advance scientific understanding of varicella and strive to contribute to the development of vaccines and therapeutics for pharmaceutical companies around the world. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

Latasa, Pello, et al. "Effectiveness and impact of a single-dose vaccine against chickenpox in the community of Madrid between 2001 and 2015." Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics 14.9 (2018): 2274-2280.
Presti, Coralie Lo, et al. "Chickenpox: an update." Médecine et Maladies Infectieuses 49.1 (2019): 1-8.
Parente, Serena, et al. "Management of chickenpox in pregnant women: an Italian perspective." European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases 37 (2018): 1603-1609.

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.