Vaccine Research Center

Vaccine Research Center is a clinical research unit operating within the University of Tampere Medical School. It carries out clinical trials of vaccines in co-operation with the pharmaceutical industry.

Vaccine Research Center was formally established in 2004. However, vaccine trials have been carried out in Tampere since 1979, and in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) since 1991.

The Center currently operates a network of 15 regional vaccine research clinics. The network of clinics enables the Center to carry out extensive national trials and contribute strongly to large multinational studies. Leading international vaccine manufacturers have a high opinion of the Center as a partner.

Vaccine Research Center has specialized in viral vaccines in children, and is well known for its studies of varicella, influenza and rotavirus. Recent studies in Finland have had a pivotal role in registration of two new rotavirus vaccines in the EU and licensure of one rotavirus vaccine in the US in 2006. The studies done by the Center have also been important for the US registration of live attenuated intranasal influenza vaccine. In the past, studies in Tampere were in a key position for registration of varicella vaccine in Europe and, more recently, in the registration of MMR+varicella vaccine.

Studies in 2007-2008 focus on meningococcal and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, new hepatitis B vaccines, new epidemic and pandemic influenza vaccines, various combination vaccines and coadministration schedules in children. In addition to childhood vaccinations, the Center also conducts studies in adults and in the elderly. These studies evaluate vaccines against herpes zoster and seasonal and pandemic influenza.

Vaccine Research Center employs approximately 130 full-time or part-time professionals. All staff are employed by the University of Tampere.

All research projects are carried out in accordance with GCP and the laws, regulations and EU directives concerning clinical trials of pharmaceuticals. All personnel have been trained to GCP and electronic data transfer. Competent and experienced personnel guarantee that the research data are of the highest quality. The trials in Finland are approved by the National Agency for Medicines and the National Advisory Board on Health Care Ethics Sub-Committee on Medical Research Ethics or the Ethics Committee of the Pirkanmaa Hospital District.

Co-operation / Sponsors

* Aeras

* Berna Biotech Ltd

* FIT Biotech

* GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals

* MedImmune Vaccines

* Merck & Co., Inc.

* Novartis Vaccines

* Sanofi Pasteur

* Sanofi Pasteur MSD

* Solvay Pharmaceuticals

* Wyeth Vaccines

* Pfizer

Co-operation / CRO:s

* Encorium

* ICON

* Medikalla

* Parexel

* PPD

* PRA

* Quintiles

* Smerud Medical Research

* Trial Form Support (TFS)

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