Day: September 14, 2022

Posted on

Business School Students in High Demand: Nearly 9 in 10 Landed Jobs Prior to Graduation

Survey finds full-time MBA graduates in North America benefit the most from salary bump while Asia Pacific graduates record the biggest increase in rating of the overall value of degrees

RESTON, Va., Sept. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Despite market fear of an imminent recession, 86 percent of 2022 business school graduates were employed at the time of graduation, up from 80 percent in 2021, according to a survey report released today by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). Contributing to the favorable trends are the regional results of graduates who studied in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. Among graduates of Asia-Pacific business schools, this year 91 percent report being employed at the time of graduation, compared with 78 percent in 2021. Similarly, among European graduates, 90 percent indicate they were employed this year compared with 75 percent last year.

The annual Enrolled Students Survey from GMAC, a global association of leading graduate business schools, aims to better understand current trends in student and recent graduates’ evaluations and outcomes of their graduate management education (GME). Conducted in May-June 2022, this year’s survey explores the views of 1,718 respondents from nearly 300 business schools in 57 countries around the word on their overall GME experience, job search, and compensation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Globally, the responding graduates of participating schools reported a median percentage increase in total compensation—including base salary and all other compensation—of 29 percent. Notably, among North American school graduates, those who attended full-time MBA programs reported a pre-GME total compensation median of US$80,000, and a post-GME total compensation median of US$120,000—an impressive 50 percent increase.

“With the volatile economic conditions and organizational challenges brought on by the pandemic, well-rounded and prepared business leaders and managers are especially in demand in the current job market,” said Matt Hazenbush, director of research analysis and communications at GMAC and author of the report. “As the survey findings suggest, graduate management education provides students with a powerful leg up for their career.”

Other Key Findings

Most students who set out to make a career change or gain a promotion encounter success

In step with the Great Resignation, students’ top goals and motivations in 2022 were to enrich their lives and make a career change. Among 2022 respondents, a majority who set out to make a career change or get promoted report that they were successful in achieving that goal. Specifically, among those who say making a career change was one of their top three motivations to pursuing GME, 57 percent said they were successful. Success rates for graduates from schools in Latin America/Middle East/Africa (66%) and North America (61%) were slightly higher, though not significantly, than those in Asia Pacific (54%) or Europe (55%), but across world regions a majority successfully made the career change they set out to make. Similarly, 56 percent of graduates who had the goal to gain a promotion were successful.

Social media use in the job search jumps up from last year

Use of social media in the job search—including sites like LinkedIn—increased significantly year-on-year, from 27 to 37 percent, overtaking networking with classmates and alumni (28%) as well as friends and family (35%). The increase in social media use as a job search method was significant among professional MBA (24% in 2021 to 31% in 2022) and business master’s students (23% in 2021 to 40% in 2022). By region, use of social media increased significantly among those who studied in Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America/Middle East/Africa, but not in North America.

Students from Asia-Pacific schools rate the overall value of their degree significantly higher in 2022 compared with 2021

Eighty-five percent of respondents rated the overall value of their degree as good to outstanding, up slightly from 82 percent in 2021. By region, students who studied in Asia-Pacific schools reported the largest year-on-year increase in favorable ratings for the overall value of their degree, rising from 75 percent to 86 percent between 2021 and 2022. While both full-time MBA and business master’s students in Asia Pacific had year-on-year increases, the increase was significant among full-time MBA students, rising from 66 percent to 84 percent. Globally, students who attended ranked schools reported similar levels of favorability of the overall value of their degree compared with students who attended non-ranked schools (85%, respectively).

As pandemic restrictions eased, student satisfaction with career and student services improved

Eighty-four percent of 2022 respondents gave career services a favorable review, up from 74 percent in 2021. Also improving were opinions on student services, up to 85 percent favorable from 80 percent in 2021. The improvement in favorability in career and student services was consistent across students of full-time MBA, business master’s, and professional MBA programs, as well as students who studied in Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America/Middle East/Africa, and North America.

About GMAC

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is a mission-driven association of leading graduate business schools worldwide. GMAC provides world-class research, industry conferences, recruiting tools, and assessments for the graduate management education industry, as well as resources, events, and services that help guide candidates through their higher education journey. Owned and administered by GMAC, the Graduate Management Admission Test™ (GMAT™) exam is the most widely used graduate business school assessment.

More than 12 million prospective students a year trust GMAC’s websites, including mba.com, to learn about MBA and business master’s programs, connect with schools around the world, prepare and register for exams and get advice on successfully applying to MBA and business master’s programs. BusinessBecause and The MBA Tour are subsidiaries of GMAC, a global organization with offices in China, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

To learn more about our work, please visit www.gmac.com

Media Contact:

Teresa Hsu
Sr. Manager, Media Relations
202-390-4180 (mobile)
thsu@gmac.com

Posted on

Dave and Buster’s to Open 11 Units Across KSA, UAE, and Egypt

Announces international franchise partnership with Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair Holding Group

DALLAS, Sept. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Just a few months after announcing its international expansion plans Dave & Buster’s inks its first multi-country, multi-unit deal.

“We couldn’t be more pleased and excited to announce our Partnership with Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair Holding Group to develop the Dave & Buster’s Brand across key West Asian Markets,” said Antonio Bautista, Chief International Development Officer of Dave & Buster’s.

The Brand will begin its expansion with sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, followed by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

“Dave & Buster’s is a preeminent entertainment brand, and this franchise partnership marks a strategic milestone for our organization as we continue expanding our entertainment and hospitality portfolio across the region,” said Mishal Alhokair, Deputy CEO of Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair Holding Group.

To drive international expansion, Dave & Buster’s has developed key strategic initiatives that uniquely support global market penetration:

  • Customizable footprint to drive box economics in each market as required
  • Menu localization with high regional resonance
  • Proprietary, dynamic pricing model
  • Global marketing programs that are demographically agnostic and locally executable
  • Differentiated and unique amusement strategy and packages
  • Localized entertainment and 3rd day part programming

“With four decades of market leading experience, a seasoned leadership team, and a best-in-class support center infrastructure, Dave & Buster’s is ready to RUN THE FUN for our global partners and guests,” added Antonio Bautista.

For more information on franchising opportunities visit www.daveandbusters.com/franchising or email InternationalDevelopment@daveandbusters.com

About Dave & Buster’s
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Coppell, Texas, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc., is the owner and operator of 200 venues in North America that offer premier entertainment and dining experiences to guests through two distinct brands: Dave & Buster’s and Main Event. Dave & Buster’s has 148 stores in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada and offers guests the opportunity to “Eat Drink Play and Watch,” all in one location. Each store offers a full menu of entrées and appetizers, a complete selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and an extensive assortment of entertainment attractions centered around playing games and watching live sports and other televised events. Main Event operates 52 centers in 17 states across the country, and offers state-of-the-art bowling, laser tag, hundreds of arcade games, and virtual reality, making it the perfect place for families to connect and make memories. For more information about each brand, visit www.daveandbusters.com www.mainevent.com

About Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair Holding Group “Believe in what you do & you shall become the master of your craft”
This phrase inspired Sheikh Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair to start his first theme park in Riyadh, which was “an unprecedented leap” in the tourism and entertainment sector, a sector that ran on mere “coincidence.” Here in Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair Holding Group, we turned “the dream” into an organized industry that aspires to be the best locally, regionally, and internationally. Sheikh Abdul Mohsen’s vision began with the need for tourism and entertainment in the Gulf region, which led to the opening of parks, and recreational centers in 1978, making him the Sheikh of Tourism in the Gulf Region. The roots of our companies were based on research and planning and deep consideration for all aspects of success.

Now, many people look to us with deep appreciation and respect. Each of our companies has its own story of success, and together they crowned us as a holding company, an umbrella for all companies and businesses. Holding is the mother and protector of our businesses, which began from the first day of networking that Sheikh Abdul Mohsen started to a glorious road that we hope to continue.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Antonio Bautista
antonio.bautista@daveandbusters.com

Posted on

Report: Democracies at Risk From Russian Money, Meddling

Russia has spent at least $300 million to sway both politics and policy in more than two dozen countries since 2014, according to a newly declassified review by U.S. intelligence agencies that warns the Kremlin is not done with plans to pay for influence.

The money, funneled to political parties and candidates across at least four continents through various front companies, is likely “just the tip of the iceberg” with the U.S. and its allies scrambling to track down additional, illicit contributions.

“These are minimum figures,” said a senior U.S. administration official who spoke to reporters Tuesday on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss the intelligence.

VOA has emailed the Russian Embassy in Washington seeking comment.

“Russia likely has transferred additional funds covertly in cases that have gone undetected,” the official added, cautioning that the war in Ukraine could well spur Moscow to increase its efforts to finance political parties and candidates to “undermine international sanctions and maintain its influence around the world.”

The U.S. intelligence review, completed over the past several months, concluded Russian efforts increased dramatically starting in 2014, spreading from Europe to Africa and the Americas.

A U.S. official familiar with the intelligence but not authorized to speak on the record said countries swept up in the Russian covert funding efforts include Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro, Belgium and Madagascar.

In at least one case, Russia used cutouts, or intermediaries, to transfer money to far-right nationalist parties.

As a first step, the U.S. officials said, the State Department has issued a cable to 110 countries sharing the findings and will review steps countries can take to counter Russia’s efforts.

Additionally, U.S. intelligence officials are privately briefing select countries whose elections and political processes have been specifically targeted by the Russian campaign.

The U.S. intelligence review did not specifically look at Russian activity in the United States, but with the country’s midterm elections set to take place in less than two months, officials cautioned that not even Washington is immune.

“There’s no question that we have this vulnerability as well, and that Russian covert political influence poses a major challenge,” the first official said.

While the warning — and the data — from U.S. officials about Russia’s attempt to meddle with the internal politics of other countries is new, the concerns are not.

Some U.S. officials began saying as far back as late 2014 that Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, was playing a dangerous game by engaging with and encouraging nationalist groups across Europe.

By 2018, Estonia’s Foreign Intelligence Service and other Western intelligence agencies were also sounding the alarm.

“We have detected a network of politicians, journalists, diplomats, businesspeople who are actually Russian influence agents and who are doing what they are told to do,” Mikk Marran, Estonia’s spy chief, told an audience at Aspen Security Forum at the time.

Specifically, Estonia’s intelligence agency warned that the Kremlin was perfecting its playbook across Europe, seeking out fringe political groups, both on the far-right and the far-left, and offering money, advice or business opportunities designed to help the groups and their candidates get a foothold.

“Politicians that have been in the margins of local politics some years ago are actually right now in national parliaments or national governments,” Marran said at the time. “They have made some bad investments, but they have also made some very good investments.”


Researchers say that Russia has expanded its outreach from Eastern Europe and the Baltics into Western Europe, Africa and beyond.

At the same time, Russia’s options for funneling money and other aid to political groups and candidates also grew to include Russian expatriates and oligarchs, shell companies, foundations, think tanks, adoption agencies and charities.

“They’re opportunistic,” Josh Rudolph, a senior fellow for malign finance at the Alliance for Securing Democracy, an election security advocacy group, told VOA, arguing that covert political funding appears to be one of three legs — along with cyberattacks and social media influence campaigns — of Russia’s election meddling strategy.

“They seem to do it when they think they have a shot, when it’s a close election,” he said.

And whether an individual effort on behalf of a particular party or candidate succeeds or fails may not matter.

“It is essentially impossible to measure precisely the impact,” Rudolph said, echoing the sentiment of some U.S. officials. “The point is that they are trying and putting significant resources into it in closely contested elections.”

That effort includes targeting the U.S.

A 2020 bipartisan report by the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee concluded Moscow used a complex web of operatives and active measures to ensnare members of former President Donald Trump’s campaign, in some cases, leaving the incoming administration open to manipulation.


A report issued that same month by Rudolph and the Alliance for Securing Democracy concluded that, even then, the U.S. had become the most frequent target.

That report also found Russia was not alone, and that China and a handful of other countries had also begun copying the Russian tactics.

“You certainly see them in Taiwan and Hong Kong but then also in the developed democracies of Australia and New Zealand,” Rudolph told VOA. “Increasingly, they’ve kind of dabbled with going further afield, whether it’s the Czech Republic or Chad or Kenya, or in some limited cases, funding ads or media operations that influence the United States.”

VOA has emailed the Chinese Embassy in Washington seeking comment.

And while the recipients of the covert funding may plead ignorance, researchers and U.S. officials believe most have at least some level of awareness.

“It is clear that the parties in question are interested in having that funding,” the senior U.S. administration official said of those benefiting from Russian money. “Clearly, those parties believe their effectiveness will be enhanced the more funds they have.”

Source: Voice Of America

Posted on

US Senate Panel Advances Bill to Boost US Ties with Taiwan

A U.S. Senate committee on Wednesday approved legislation that would significantly enhance U.S. military support for Taiwan, including provisions for billions of dollars in additional security assistance, as China increases military pressure on the democratically governed island.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee backed the Taiwan Policy Act of 2022 by 17-5, despite concerns about the bill in U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration and anger about the measure from Beijing.

The strong bipartisan vote was a clear indication of support from both Republicans and Biden’s fellow Democrats for changes in U.S. policy toward Taiwan, such as treating it as a major non-NATO ally.

Sponsors said the bill would be the most comprehensive restructuring of U.S. policy toward the island since the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 — the bedrock of U.S. engagement with what China views as one of its provinces since Washington opened up relations with Beijing that year.

“We need to be clear-eyed about what we are facing,” said Senator Bob Menendez, the committee’s Democratic chairman, while stressing that the United States does not seek war or heightened tensions with Beijing.

“If we want to ensure Taiwan has a fighting chance, we must act now,” said Senator Jim Risch, the committee’s top Republican, arguing that any change in the status quo for Taiwan would have “disastrous effects” for the U.S. economy and national security.

The bill would allocate $4.5 billion in security assistance for Taiwan over four years and supports its participation in international organizations.

The act also includes extensive language on sanctions toward China in the event of hostilities across the strait separating it from the mainland.

Beijing’s opposition

When the bill was introduced in June, China responded by saying it would be “compelled to take resolute countermeasures” if Washington took actions that harmed China’s interests.

“We haven’t discussed any specifics,” Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to Washington, told reporters at an event at the Capitol when asked if she has had discussions with the White House over specific sanctions.

“We talked about integrated deterrence in a broader sense of the need to explore different tools to ensure that the status quo in the Taiwan Strait can be maintained,” Hsiao said.

She said she had expressed “gratitude” to Congress for the legislation. “Given the complication of different views here in the United States too, we’re hoping that we can reach some consensus on security, which is our top priority,” she said.

The committee’s approval paved the way for a vote in the full Senate, but there has been no word on when that might take place. To become law, it must also pass the House of Representatives and be signed by Biden or win enough support to override a veto.

The White House said Tuesday it was in talks with members of Congress on how to change the act to ensure that it does not change long-standing U.S. policy toward Taiwan that it considers effective.

The Taiwan bill is likely to be folded into a larger piece of legislation expected to pass late this year, such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an annual bill setting policy for the Department of Defense.


Source: Voice of America

Posted on

As Monkeypox Drops in the West, Still No Vaccines for Africa

With monkeypox cases subsiding in Europe and parts of North America, many scientists say now is the time to prioritize stopping the virus in Africa.

In July, the U.N. health agency designated monkeypox as a global emergency and appealed to the world to support African countries so that the catastrophic vaccine inequity that plagued the outbreak of COVID-19 wouldn’t be repeated.

But the global spike of attention has had little impact on the continent. No rich countries have shared vaccines or treatments with Africa, and some experts fear interest may soon evaporate.

“Nothing has changed for us here. The focus is all on monkeypox in the West,” said Placide Mbala, a virologist who directs the global health research department at Congo’s Institute of Biomedical Research.

“The countries in Africa where monkeypox is endemic are still in the same situation we have always been, with weak resources for surveillance, diagnostics and even the care of patients,” he said.

Rich countries hoard vaccine

Monkeypox has sickened people in parts of West and Central Africa since the 1970s, but it wasn’t until the disease triggered unusual outbreaks in Europe and North America that public health officials even thought to use vaccines. As rich countries rushed to buy nearly all the world’s supply of the most advanced shot against monkeypox, the World Health Organization said in June that it would create a vaccine-sharing mechanism to help needy countries get doses.

So far, that hasn’t happened.

“Africa is still not benefiting from either monkeypox vaccines or the antiviral treatments,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Africa director, adding that only small amounts have been available for research purposes. Since 2000, Africa has reported about 1,000 to 2,000 suspected monkeypox cases every year. So far this year, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified about 3,000 suspected infections, including more than 100 deaths.

In recent weeks, monkeypox cases globally have fallen by more than a quarter, including by 55% in Europe, according to WHO.

Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, head of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, said the lack of help for Africa was reminiscent of the inequity seen during COVID-19.

“Everybody looked after their (own) problem and left everybody else,” he said. Adetifa lamented that monkeypox outbreaks in Africa never got the international attention that might have prevented the virus from spreading globally.

Rich countries have stretched their vaccine supplies by using a fifth of the regular dose, but none have expressed interest in helping Africa. WHO’s regional office for the Americas recently announced it had struck a deal to obtain 100,000 monkeypox doses that will start being delivered to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean within weeks. But no similar agreements have been reached for Africa.

“I would very much like to have vaccines to offer to my patients or anything that could just reduce their stay in the hospital,” said Dr. Dimie Ogoina, a professor of medicine at Niger Delta University in Nigeria and a member of WHO’s monkeypox emergency committee.

Since WHO declared monkeypox a global emergency, Nigeria has seen the disease continue to spread, with few significant interventions.

“We still do not have the funds to do all the studies that we need,” Ogoina said.

Research into the animals that carry monkeypox and spread it to humans in Africa is piecemeal and lacks coordination, said Mbala, of Congo’s Institute of Biomedical Research.

Last week, the White House said it was optimistic about a recent drop in monkeypox cases in the U.S., saying authorities had administered more than 460,000 doses of the vaccine made by Bavarian Nordic.

Cases drop in U.S.

The U.S. has about 35% of the world’s more than 56,000 monkeypox cases but nearly 80% of the world’s supply of the vaccine, according to a recent analysis by the advocacy group Public Citizen.

The U.S. hasn’t announced any monkeypox vaccine donations for Africa, but the White House did make a recent request to Congress for $600 million in global aid.

Even if rich countries start sharing monkeypox tools with Africa soon, they shouldn’t be applauded, other experts said.

“It should not be the case that countries only decide to share leftover vaccines when the epidemic is declining in their countries,” said Piero Olliaro, a professor of infectious diseases of poverty at Oxford University. “It is exactly the same scenario as COVID, and it is still completely unethical.”

Olliaro, who recently returned to the U.K. from a trip to Central African Republic to work on monkeypox, said WHO’s emergency declaration appeared to offer “no tangible benefits in Africa.”

In Nigeria’s Lagos state, which includes the country’s largest city and is hard hit by monkeypox, some people are calling for the government to urgently do more.

“You can’t tell me that the situation wouldn’t have improved without a vaccine,” said Temitayo Lawal, 29, an economist.

“If there is no need for vaccines, why are we now seeing the U.S. and all these countries using them?” he asked. “Our government needs to acquire doses as well.”

Source: Voice of America          

Posted on

Sabin Receives Additional $21.8 Million From BARDA to Advance Marburg Vaccine

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Sabin Vaccine Institute today announced it is receiving an additional $21.8 million under an existing contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These funds advance development of a vaccine against Marburg virus disease, a virus that is related to Ebola Zaire which killed 2200 people during the last major outbreak that ended in 2020.

The Sabin Marburg vaccine is the only candidate currently slated for a Phase 2 clinical trial. Marburg is among the world’s deadliest viruses, resulting in the death of approximately half the people the virus infects. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or treatments for the disease. As recently as July this year, two people in Ghana died after being infected with Marburg virus, reinforcing the urgent need for medical therapies.

The latest tranche of funds enables Sabin to conduct a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial among adults in the U.S. to further evaluate the safety and the efficacy of the Marburg vaccine candidate and advance non-clinical vaccine dosing studies. The Phase 2 clinical trial in the U.S. will begin after Sabin has initiated a same-stage trial in Africa, currently scheduled for 2023. Sabin will also undertake a non-clinical study on the vaccine candidate during this phase.

“Beginning Phase 2 clinical trials for the Marburg vaccine is a pivotal milestone for us and we appreciate BARDA’s continued confidence in our work and support for this critical next step,” says Sabin Chief Executive Officer Amy Finan. “Vaccines remain our best bet against death and disability from deadly viruses. I am hopeful that in the years ahead, we can offer this life-saving vaccine to every person who needs it.”

In 2019, BARDA awarded Sabin a multi-year contract valued at $128 million to further the development of vaccines against two lethal viruses: Marburg and Ebola Sudan. With BARDA now exercising the latest option of that contract, Sabin’s Ebola and Marburg Research & Development program, to date, has been awarded $98.6 million.

BARDA is part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under contract number 75A50119C000555.

Learn more about Sabin’s Marburg and Ebola Sudan Program.

About the Sabin Vaccine Institute

The Sabin Vaccine Institute is a leading advocate for expanding vaccine access and uptake globally, advancing vaccine research and development, and amplifying vaccine knowledge and innovation. Unlocking the potential of vaccines through partnership, Sabin has built a robust ecosystem of funders, innovators, implementers, practitioners, policy makers and public stakeholders to advance its vision of a future free from preventable diseases. As a non-profit with more than two decades of experience, Sabin is committed to finding solutions that last and extending the full benefits of vaccines to all people, regardless of who they are or where they live. At Sabin, we believe in the power of vaccines to change the world. For more information, visit www.sabin.org and follow us on Twitter, @SabinVaccine.

About Ebola Sudan and Marburg

Ebola Sudan and Marburg are members of the filovirus family. Both can cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates. No therapeutic treatment of the hemorrhagic fevers caused by filoviruses has been licensed to date. Marburg and Ebola viruses are transmitted to humans by infected animals, particularly fruit bats. Once a human is infected, the virus can spread to others through close personal contact or contact with bodily fluids. Isolation of infected people is currently the centerpiece of filovirus control.

Marburg was the first filovirus to be recognized in 1967 when outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever were reported in a few Europe-based laboratories including in the town of Marburg, Germany. Ebola was identified in 1976 when two simultaneous outbreaks occurred in northern Zaire (now the DRC) in a village near the Ebola River and southern Sudan. The outbreaks involved what eventually proved to be two different species of Ebola virus; both were named after the nations in which they were discovered.

Media contact:

Rajee Suri
press@sabin.org

Posted on

Sabin reçoit 21,8 millions de dollars supplémentaires de la part de la BARDA pour faire progresser le vaccin contre le virus Marburg

WASHINGTON, 14 sept. 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Le Sabin Vaccine Institute a annoncé aujourd’hui avoir reçu 21,8 millions de dollars supplémentaires dans le cadre d’un contrat existant avec la Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), qui fait partie de l’Administration pour la préparation et la réponse stratégiques du Département de la Santé et des Services sociaux des États-Unis. Ces fonds font progresser le développement d’un vaccin contre la maladie à virus Marburg, un virus lié au virus Ebola-Zaïre qui a tué 2 200 personnes lors de la dernière épidémie majeure qui a pris fin en 2020.

Le vaccin de Sabin contre le virus Marburg est le seul candidat actuellement prévu pour un essai clinique de phase 2. Marburg fait partie des virus les plus mortels au monde, entraînant la mort d’environ la moitié des personnes infectées. Il n’existe actuellement aucun vaccin ou traitement approuvé pour lutter contre cette maladie. Pas plus tard qu’en juillet de cette année, deux personnes sont mortes au Ghana après avoir été infectées par le virus Marburg, renforçant ainsi le besoin urgent de thérapies médicales.

La dernière tranche de fonds permet à Sabin de mener un essai clinique randomisé, en aveugle et contrôlé par placebo chez des adultes aux États-Unis afin d’évaluer davantage l’innocuité et l’efficacité de son vaccin candidat contre le virus Marburg et de faire progresser des études de posologie de vaccin non cliniques. L’essai clinique de phase 2 aux États-Unis commencera après le lancement par Sabin d’un essai de même phase en Afrique, actuellement prévu pour 2023. Sabin entreprendra également une étude non clinique sur son vaccin candidat au cours de cette phase.

« Le début des essais cliniques de phase 2 pour le vaccin contre le virus Marburg constitue une étape cruciale pour nous et nous apprécions la confiance continue de la BARDA dans notre travail et son soutien pour cette prochaine étape cruciale », a déclaré Amy Finan, présidente-directrice générale de Sabin. « Les vaccins restent notre meilleur pari contre la mort et le handicap dus à des virus mortels. J’espère que dans les années à venir, nous pourrons offrir ce vaccin vital à toutes les personnes qui en ont besoin. »

En 2019, la BARDA a attribué à Sabin un contrat pluriannuel d’une valeur de 128 millions de dollars pour poursuivre le développement de vaccins contre deux virus mortels : Marburg et Ebola-Soudan. La BARDA exerçant désormais la dernière option de ce contrat, le programme de recherche et développement de Sabin contre les virus Ebola et Marburg, a reçu à ce jour 98,6 millions de dollars.

La BARDA fait partie de l’Administration pour la préparation et la réponse stratégiques du Département de la Santé et des Services sociaux des États-Unis. Ce projet a été financé en totalité ou en partie par des fonds fédéraux du Département de la Santé et des Services sociaux, l’Administration pour la préparation et la réponse stratégiques et la Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, sous le contrat numéro 75A50119C000555.

Renseignements complémentaires sur le programme de Sabin dédié aux virus Marburg et Ebola-Soudan.

À propos du Sabin Vaccine Institute

Le Sabin Vaccine Institute est l’un des principaux défenseurs de l’élargissement de l’accès aux vaccins et de leur adoption à l’échelle mondiale, de l’avancement de la recherche et du développement de vaccins et de l’amplification des connaissances et de l’innovation en matière de vaccins. Libérant le potentiel des vaccins par le partenariat, Sabin a bâtit un écosystème robuste de bailleurs de fonds, innovateurs, agents de mise en œuvre, praticiens, décideurs politiques et parties prenantes publiques pour faire avancer sa vision d’un avenir où les maladies évitables ont enfin disparu. En tant qu’organisation sans but lucratif comptant plus de deux décennies d’expérience, Sabin s’est engagée à trouver des solutions qui durent et à étendre tous les bienfaits des vaccins à l’ensemble des individus, peu importe qui ils sont et où ils résident. Chez Sabin, nous sommes convaincus que les vaccins ont le pouvoir de changer le monde. Pour de plus amples informations, rendez-vous sur le site www.sabin.org et suivez-nous sur Twitter, @SabinVaccine.

À propos des virus Ebola-Soudan et Marburg

Ebola-Soudan et Marburg font partie de la famille des filovirus. Les deux peuvent causer des fièvres hémorragiques sévères chez l’humain et les primates non humains. Aucun traitement thérapeutique des fièvre hémorragiques provoquées par les filovirus n’a été autorisé à ce jour. Les virus Marburg et Ebola sont transmis aux humains par des animaux infectés, en particulier les chauves-souris frugivores. Une fois qu’un être humain est infecté, ces virus peuvent se propager à d’autres par le biais d’un contact personnel étroit ou d’un contact avec des fluides corporels. L’isolation des personnes infectées constitue actuellement la principale stratégie pour contrôler les filovirus.

Marburg a été le premier filovirus à être reconnu en 1967 lorsque des épidémies de fièvre hémorragique ont été signalées dans plusieurs laboratoires basés en Europe, y compris dans la ville de Marbourg, en Allemagne. Le virus Ebola a été identifié en 1976 lorsque deux épidémies se sont produites simultanément dans le nord du Zaïre (devenu la RDC), dans un village près de la rivière Ebola, et dans le sud du Soudan. Ces épidémies ont impliqué ce qui s’est finalement avéré être deux espèces différentes de virus Ebola ; chacune devant son nom à la nation dans laquelle elle a été découverte.

Contact pour les médias :

Rajee Suri
press@sabin.org

Posted on

Sabin recebe US $ 21,8 milhões adicionais da BARDA para o desenvolvimento da Vacina Marburg

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O Sabin Vaccine Institute anunciou hoje o recebimento de US $ 21,8 milhões adicionais sob um contrato existente com a Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), parte da Administração de Preparação e Resposta Estratégica do Departamento de Saúde e Serviços Humanos dos EUA. Esses fundos visam promover o desenvolvimento de uma vacina contra a doença do vírus de Marburg, um vírus relacionado com a Ebola Zaire que matou 2200 pessoas durante o último grande surto que terminou em 2020.

A vacina Sabin Marburg é a única candidata atualmente prevista para entrar em um ensaio clínico de Fase 2. O Marburg é um dos vírus mais letais do mundo, causando a morte de aproximadamente metade das pessoas infectadas pelo vírus. No momento não existe nenhuma vacina nem tratamento aprovados para a doença. Ainda em Julho deste ano, duas pessoas em Gana morreram depois de terem sido infectadas com o vírus de Marburg, e isso demonstra claramente a necessidade urgente de terapias médicas.

A última parcela dos recursos permite que a Sabin realize um ensaio clínico randomizado, cego e controlado por placebo entre adultos nos EUA para a avaliação ainda maior da segurança e a eficácia do candidato à vacina de Marburg e a continuidade com os estudos de dosagem de vacina não clínica. O ensaio clínico de Fase 2 nos EUA irá começar após a Sabin dar início a um ensaio de mesmo estágio na África, atualmente agendado para 2023. A Sabin também realizará um estudo não clínico do candidato à vacina durante esta fase.

“O início dos ensaios clínicos de Fase 2 para a vacina de Marburg é um marco crucial para nós e agradecemos a confiança da BARDA no nosso trabalho e apoio a esta próxima etapa decisiva”, disse a Diretora Executiva da Sabin, Amy Finan. “As vacinas continuam sendo a nossa melhor opção para combater a deficiência e morte causadas pelos vírus mortais. Tenho a esperança de que dentro de alguns anos possamos oferecer esta vacina para salvar vidas de todas as pessoas que precisem dela.”

Em 2019, BARDA fechou com a Sabin um contrato de vários anos valor de US $ 128 milhões para promover o desenvolvimento de vacinas contra dois vírus letais: Marburg e Ebola Sudão. Com estes fundos mais recente do contrato com a BARDA, o programa de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Ebola e Marburg da Sabin, até o momento, recebeu US $ 98,6 milhões.

A BARDA faz parte da Administração de Preparação e Resposta Estratégica do Departamento de Saúde e Serviços Humanos dos EUA. Este projeto foi financiado, no todo ou em parte, com fundos federais do Departamento de Saúde e Serviços Humanos; Administração para Preparação e Resposta Estratégica; Autoridade de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Avançado Biomédico, sob o contrato número 75A50119C000555.

Saiba mais sobre o Programa Marburg and Ebola Sudão da Sabin.

Sobre o Sabin Vaccine Institute

O Sabin Vaccine Institute é um dos principais defensores da expansão do acesso e uso de vacinas em todo o mundo, do avanço da pesquisa e desenvolvimento de vacinas e da ampliação do conhecimento e inovação das vacinas. Revelando o potencial das vacinas através da parceria, o Sabin criou um ecossistema robusto de financiadores, inovadores, implementadores, profissionais, formuladores de políticas e partes interessadas públicas para avançar sua visão de um futuro livre de doenças evitáveis. Como uma organização sem fins lucrativos com mais de duas décadas de experiência, o Sabin está empenhado em encontrar soluções duradouras que levem todos os benefícios das vacinas a todas as pessoas, independentemente de quem sejam ou de onde vivem. No Sabin, acreditamos no poder das vacinas para mudar o mundo. Para mais informação, visite www.sabin.org e siga-nos no Twitter, @SabinVaccine.

Sobre a Ebola Sudão e Marburg

Ebola Sudão e Marburg são membros da família dos filovírus. Ambos podem causar febre hemorrágica grave em seres humanos e primatas não humanos. Não existe nenhum tratamento terapêutico das febres hemorrágicas causadas por filovírus licenciado até o momento. Os vírus Marburg e Ebola são transmitidos aos seres humanos por animais infectados, particularmente pelos morcegos-fruta. Uma vez infectada, uma pessoa pode transmitir o vírus para outras pessoas através do contato pessoal próximo ou com fluidos corporais. O isolamento das pessoas infectadas atualmente é a parte central do controle do filovírus.

O Marburg foi o primeiro filovírus a ser identificado em 1967, quando surtos de febre hemorrágica foram relatados em alguns laboratórios da Europa, incluindo na cidade de Marburg, Alemanha. A ebola foi identificada em 1976, quando dois surtos simultâneos ocorreram no norte do Zaire (agora RDC) em uma aldeia perto do rio Ebola e sul do Sudão. Os surtos envolveram o que eventualmente provou ser duas espécies diferentes do vírus Ebola; ambos receberam o nome nações em que foram descobertos.

Contato com a Mídia:

Rajee Suri
press@sabin.org