Breakthroughs Blog: Research Roundup

In this regular feature on Breakthroughs, we highlight some of the most interesting reads in global health research from the past week. The GHTC released its 2012 policy report at a Capitol Hill briefing this week. The report provides recommendations for policymakers so they can continue to save lives around the world by supporting research and development for new global health products. This is the third annual report released by the GHTC. The Infectious Disease Research Institute announced that the first clinical trial for a new vaccine for visceral leishmaniasis has begun in Washington State. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first-ever 4-in-1 flu vaccine. The Office of Science and Technology Policy has completed its review of final drafts of new federal scientific integrity policies. More than a dozen federal departments and agencies contributed to the process. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton testified in front of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations on Tuesday. She discussed the Global Health Initiative and how it’s “consolidating programs, increasing partners' capacities, and shifting responsibilities to help target our resources where they are most needed and [have the] highest impact.”

In this regular feature on Breakthroughs, we highlight some of the most interesting reads in global health research from the past week. The US Agency for International Development announced the launch of its second request for applications for its ‘Saving Lives at Birth: A Grand Challenge for Development’ program, which calls for innovation prevention and treatment approaches for pregnant woman and children in developing countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discusses its role in global HIV and tuberculosis research and development (R&D) with Science Speaks. Medicines for Malaria Venture announced more than 100 million child-friendly malaria treatments have been delivered to 30 malaria-endemic countries since 2009. The announcement represents a key success story in global health R&D OneWorld Health’s treatment for leishmaniasis is now registered for use in Nepal.