After more⁣ than two decades dedicated to tuberculosis research,a microbiologist at the University of Zaragoza‍ is focusing on the ​years 2028-2029,when the results of ongoing clinical trials for the MTBVAC vaccine are expected. “The MTBVAC vaccine is extensively studied. We have significant knowledge about it, but the crucial question ⁣remains: does it work?” ⁣the researcher⁤ stated.

Reflecting on his early career, the researcher recalls ⁣his⁣ time at the Pasteur ⁣Institute beginning in 1987, working alongside Dr. Brigitte Gicquel. “I intended to stay for three months, but it turned into five years,”​ he⁣ recounted. His extensive work has underscored the vital‍ role of ⁢vaccines. He cited the⁤ COVID-19 pandemic as a prime​ example:‌ “Vaccines were instrumental in enabling us to‍ return to normalcy.”

The researcher will discuss the essential function of vaccines at the sixth annual Lección ⁣Cajal, held‌ at the Paraninfo. The lecture will⁤ explore the⁢ history of vaccinations, from their inception to⁤ pivotal⁤ moments such as the 2020 pandemic.”Vaccines​ were once primarily associated ⁣with children, but the⁣ COVID-19 pandemic highlighted ​their necessity for societal well-being,” he ⁤noted.

Despite significant progress, ample challenges remain. “Vaccines for‍ diseases like AIDS,⁤ malaria, and tuberculosis are still needed, as the‌ existing tuberculosis vaccine is ⁣inadequate,” ‍he asserted.‌ His work ⁣focuses⁣ on the MTBVAC vaccine, a ‍unique live-attenuated strain⁢ vaccine⁤ containing all tuberculosis antigens.

Currently, ‍a ​Phase 3 clinical trial is underway, ⁢evaluating the vaccine in infants across three countries: South Africa, Madagascar, and Senegal. ⁢This trial aims‌ to vaccinate 7,000 newborns ⁢over ⁤the next two years. “We anticipate results in 2028-2029,” the researcher said.

Of particular concern are adolescents and adults, who often transmit the disease but are not vaccinated. A clinical trial has been initiated to assess the safety and efficacy of the MTBVAC vaccine in these populations. “We are in Phase 2b, not Phase 3, due to the considerable expense ‌of vaccinating ⁤4,200 adolescents across 15 ⁣centers ‍in South ⁤Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania,” the researcher explained. ‌Vaccination will occur over two ⁤years, with results expected around ‌2028.

The researcher emphasized that while effective tuberculosis treatments exist, a vaccine is⁤ essential for eradication.⁤ “The task is immense,” he stressed, highlighting the significant economic and logistical ⁤hurdles ⁣in ensuring⁤ universal and equitable vaccine access.”Distribution in countries that ‍need it is lacking,”⁣ he added.

To overcome these challenges, support ⁤is crucial. “We have been working on this vaccine for over 20 years. ‍We are close to achieving⁢ our goal, but​ a final push is needed,”​ he ⁢emphasized. While local support in Aragón is strong, national ⁤support is ​lacking. “The ‌University of ⁣Zaragoza ‌aims to make ⁢the vaccine universally accessible‌ and affordable, so all funding‍ has come from non-profit organizations. Spain has not invested in the clinical progress of this research,” he lamented.

“There is no national commitment⁤ to research. We feel somewhat abandoned, as⁢ it is⁢ often deprioritized because Spain⁤ lacks experience in developing ‍a vaccine from Phase 1 to Phase 3,” the⁣ researcher stated. He noted that Spain excels in ⁢Phase 3 clinical trials but‌ primarily with “medicines that are not our own.”

The researcher⁢ stressed the lengthy and costly⁢ nature of the ‌work and appealed for broad⁣ support, from political parties to the monarchy.‍ “This has taken 25 years and will take more,” he concluded. “We need people to ⁣feel like it’s their own.”