Vaccine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A comparative study on the safety and immunogenicity of Purified duck embryo vaccine [corrected] (PDEV, Vaxirab) with purified chick embryo cell vaccine (PCEC, Rabipur) and purifed vero cell rabies vaccine (PVRV, Verorab).
Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease. Cell culture vaccines (CCV) and purified duck embryo vaccines (PDEV) are currently recommended by WHO for post-exposure prophylaxis. In India, a PDEV (Vaxirab) is being manufactured and is in use since 2003. ⋯ Side effects observed were minimal and did not vary significantly among the groups. The results of the present study indicate that PDEV (Vaxirab) is as safe, tolerable and immunogenic as both PCEC (Rabipur) and PVRV (Verorab). Thus this vaccine can be a good alternative to WHO approved CCVs for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Intradermal influenza vaccine for older adults: a randomized controlled multicenter phase III study.
In a 3-year, randomized, controlled, open-label phase III trial enrolling 3707 adults aged > or = 60 years we evaluated whether the immunogenicity of an intradermal trivalent inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine, containing 15 microg of haemagglutinin per strain per 0.1 ml dose, is superior to that of a conventional intramuscular vaccine. Intradermal vaccine was given using an intradermal microinjection system. ⋯ Both vaccines were well tolerated with similar systemic reactogenicity profiles. This intradermal influenza vaccine for older adults is a beneficial option for influenza protection, consistently enhancing antibody responses without compromising safety.
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Randomized controlled clinical trials represent the best way to establish the therapeutic or preventive value of medicines. This decade has seen a strong shift in the location of clinical trials from industrialized countries to developing countries, including many in Africa. However, without independent strong regulatory and ethical oversight of clinical trials the safety of research subjects, and scientific integrity of clinical data cannot be verified. This article draws up a portrait of clinical trials regulation in Africa in support of development of priority medicines, highlights challenges and presents the progress made by countries under WHO guidance over the past 5 years.