Tackling pathogen control in livestock
A dedicated virus research laboratory based at Cardiff University’s Medicentre, seeking to reduce antimicrobial resistance in farm animals and the environment, has been opened by UK-based Feed, Food & Future for development and testing of antiviral capabilities to tackle pathogens of concern to livestock.
The company has been working with the University of South Wales in a pivotal industry-wide study to compare the antibacterial properties of so-called antibiotic replacement, which has resulted in evidence-led recommendations for the control of pathogens of concern to the livestock sector.
Recognising that the use of antibiotics for secondary infection often follows primary viral infection, the research also focuses on viral pathogens, such as infl uenza and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus, the latter which has so far eluded attempts of control through vaccination. Pilot work has shown very encouraging results with some naturally-sourced active ingredients showing promise as anti-viral agents. Scientists at the laboratory will screen, test and develop active ingredients based on their ability to target specifi c viruses.
Company co-founder Dr Naheeda Portocarero stated “We have always taken
a holistic approach to human, livestock and environmental health. When considering antibiotic replacements, we look not only at effi cacy, but whether the replacement itself may create resistance. Whether there are circumstances, for example once an infection has taken hold of a group of animals, where it may be necessary to use conventional antibiotics rather than risking welfare. “
The new facility is also said to be the fi rst of its kind to offer commercial testing through industry partnerships, a boost to South Wales’ growing innovation infrastructure.
Portocarero added “We work with the industry to develop solutions which benefi t their business as well as meeting the needs of consumers and society. We are privileged to work with the best scientists and key stakeholders. Our facility offers an opportunity for the livestock industry to play a major role in tackling antibiotic resistance.”
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/LojO 62616pr@reply-direct.com
New centres to improve solutions for rare disease patients
Four new virtual Translational Centres for Rare Diseases launched in the UK with £40 million in funding, are set to tackle barriers that ordinarily prevent new tests and treatments reaching patients, while also speeding up the delivery of rare disease treatment trials. The LifeArc centres will bring together leading scientists and rare disease clinical specialists from across the UK for the fi rst time, encouraging new collaborations across different research disciplines and providing improved access to facilities and training.
Guest Speaker Stephane Maikovsky at the launch of the new centres (Credit: LifeArc)
Professor Patrick Chinnery gives a presentation (Credit: LifeArc)
Globally, there are said to be more than 300 million people living with rare diseases; research can be fragmented, due to a lack of access to specialist facilities, as well as advice on regulation, trial designs, preclinical regulatory requirements and translational project management. Dr Catriona Crombie, Head of Rare Disease at LifeArc, said: “We’re extremely proud to be launching four new LifeArc Translational Centres for Rare Diseases. Each centre has been awarded funding because it holds real promise for delivering change for people living with rare diseases. These centres also have the potential to create a blueprint for accelerating improvements across other disease areas, including common diseases.”
The £9.4 million LifeArc Centre for Rare Respiratory Diseases, is a partnership between Universities and NHS Trusts across the UK providing a single ‘go to’ centre to connect children and adults with clinical experts, researchers, investors and industry leaders. Its aims are to create a UK-wide biobank of patient samples and models of disease that will allow researchers to advance pioneering therapies and engage with industry and regulatory partners.
The other three centres are the LifeArc-Kidney Research UK Centre for Rare Kidney Diseases, launched in partnership with co-funder Kidney Research UK; The LifeArc Centre for Rare Mitochondrial Diseases, a national partnership with the Lily Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy UK; and the LifeArc Centre for Acceleration of Rare Disease Trials, which brings together experts from Newcastle University, Queens University Belfast and University of Birmingham.
Further details of the centres and LifeArc can be found on the link below. More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/QmnG
62619pr@reply-direct.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148
