about leprosy: leprosy vaccine update
Vaccines have helped conquer some of humanity’s worst scourges in the past century (i.e. smallpox and polio). In the 21st century they will help control and eliminate many more.
Prevention of infection is not only better than cure, it is much cheaper. In human and economic terms, the impact of eradicating diseases endemic in developing countries can scarcely be overstated. Development of a leprosy vaccine is within reach if we act now.
Why is a leprosy vaccine needed?
- Leprosy remains one of the most dreaded diseases in the world -- a disease that so stigmatizes many of its victims that they are lost to society, to hope, and to life itself.
- Active leprosy cases and leprosy-related disabilities affect over 4.5 million people in the world today.
- Although multidrug therapy (MDT) can cure leprosy, the number of new cases is not declining, having remained at about 750,000 annually for the last two decades. Further reduction in leprosy cases is not likely without development.
- Damage is often irreparable and exposure to family and friends significant before diagnosis can be made and treatment administered.
- Even when the disease is diagnosed before damage is done, MDT is often not successful because of the barriers in underdeveloped countries to continuing the regimen for the length of time necessary for cure (usually a year).
What could be the impact of developing a new leprosy vaccine?
- First - a skin test (similar to that used for tuberculosis) that provides early diagnosis of leprosy.
- Second - improved treatment of active leprosy cases.
- Third - eventual eradication of leprosy by a vaccine to prevent new cases.
How will the vaccine be developed and distributed?
A groundbreaking partnership has been forged between ALM and Infectious Disease Research Insititute (IRDI). This alliance has the potential to finally eradicate one of history’s most dreaded diseases.
Vaccine development - A Seattle-based, nonprofit corporation, IDRI was founded in 1993 for the purpose of discovering new ways to cure and prevent infectious diseases. IDRI research and development emphasize the production of vaccines since immunization is the most cost-effective way to eliminate these diseases. By applying the same tools, experience, and expertise used to develop a tuberculosis vaccine, IDRI is in a unique position to develop a leprosy vaccine. The agents of leprosy and tubercvulosis are closely related.
Vaccine distibution - Founded in 1906, ALM has been a leader in the care and tretment of leprosy patients around the world. It has the experience and access to the infrastructure needed to deliver the vaccine once it is developed. What better gift for ALM's centennial than a vaccine that will eradicate the disease that the organization has spent the last 100 years combatting?
Research at IDRI: Summer 2007 Update
In partnership with American Leprosy Missions, IDRI has embarked on an aggressive program to develop an effective vaccine and better diagnostic test for leprosy. IDRI is developing an accurate and inexpensive diagnostic test that provides much greater diagnostic power than those currently in use; additionally, IDRI is developing a vaccine against leprosy. This focus on both vaccines and diagnostics means that, for the first time, eradication of this disease may be achievable... Read the IDRI 2007 Update (PDF file)
