AFFiRiS has announced the start of the pre-clinical development of its first Parkinson’s vaccine PD01. The vaccine will be investigated for efficacy (”proof of concept”) in Parkinson models. On successful conclusion of this preclinical evaluation, initial clinical testing could start in 2010/11. The Parkinson’s vaccine specifically targets the alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) protein, which is considered to be a key contributory element in Parkinson’s disease. There is clear scientific evidence that the concentration and enrichment of alpha-syn in the brain are contributing factors in the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

According to new research from the University of Sydney, Nicotinamide (VitB3), a vitamin found in common foods like meats, nuts, grains and cereals, may provide the next advance in skin cancer prevention. Presenting the results of a trial to the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia’s Annual Scientific Meeting, Associate Professor Diona Damian said tests had shown the vitamin prevented damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation by protecting the immune system. The tests on volunteers using nicotinamide both as a lotion and in tablet form offered equally strong protection, against both UVB and UVA.

A new vaccine principle is being developed by scientists at the University of Copenhagen which if it works to its full expected potential could help to save millions of lives and revolutionise current vaccine technology. The ‘InVacc’ platform, as it is known, represents an advance on the original DNA vaccines and generates new vaccines with greatly enhanced properties. The platform consists of a chain of amino acids attached to a gene of the virus being vaccinated against.