Development of Vaccines

As well as monitoring rates of disease and vaccine uptake within the UK, the Agency is active in developing, testing and manufacturing a number of vaccines.

The search for an effective vaccine against meningitis B has been a significant area of research for the Agency's scientists who work with colleagues throughout academia and industry. Some of our patents in this area have already been licensed and the agency continues research in this area.

Research to develop a more effective tuberculosis vaccine in another major programme of research, including significant collaborations across the European Union and beyond.

For further information see the TB Vaccine Research page.

Coupled with our research programmes we also have the capability to assess vaccines for efficacy and other parameters using immunological and in-vivo assays and models within our accredited facilities.

For further information see the Vaccine Evaluation Services page.

Defending Against vCJD

The epidemic of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle in the 1980s and 1990s and its possible transmission to humans via infected meat lead to fears that variant Creutzfeldt-Jackob Disease (vCJD), BSE's human equivalent, could spread throughout the UK's population .

Thankfully, the number of deaths from in the UK from vCJD appears to be in decline: however, the Health Protection Agency monitors the the situation closely in conjunction with the National Creutzfeldt-Jackob Disease Surveillance Unit.

The Agency also continues to conduct research and develop techniques that will help prevent any possible spread of the dsease.

For further information see the Defending Against vCJD  page

Contract Research and Service Provision

As well as conducting research on behalf of the Department of Health we also offer commercial contract testing services to a range of customers from academia, industry and government.

• Contract Research and Service Provision