Our research laboratories for comprehensive research and development program for a new generation of drugs, diagnostics and vaccines for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and neglected infections of poverty, as well as fundamental and applied research against these diseases, is housed within the Section of Tropical Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics.
In the area of NTD vaccine development, Texas Children's Hospital in partnership with the National School of Tropical Medicine has established Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development.
Over the past 15 years our researchers have led the development of new vaccines to combat NTDs. Through their activities a human hookworm vaccine is in phase 1 clinical trials as is a schistosomiasis vaccine. Vaccines against leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and other soil-transmitted helminths are in development.
Major Developments
The major developments that provide strong competencies for the NSTM include:
- Access to core scientists conducting research on NTDs and NIoPs with papers appearing in the world's highest impact journals
- Establishment of a complex and multidisciplinary research portfolio supported both by federal and non-federal agencies
- Creation of an experienced program and research management group able to support, advance and monitor complex research initiatives
- Establishing active research, biotechnology and educational collaborations with other academic and non-profit entities and institutions globally
Collaborators
The Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital now ranks as one of the nation's largest, most diverse, and most successful pediatric programs. The department has a long history of commitment to excellence in pediatric patient care, research, and education.
Baylor's Vaccine Research Center, a world leader in vaccine clinical trials and evaluation led by Dr. Wendy Keitel.
Baylor Global Initiatives, led by Dr. Bobby Kapur and created to expand academic partnerships across the globe and create a centralized infrastructure for global health clinical, educational and research activities throughout the College.
Rice 360º Institute for Global Health Technologies, led by Dr. Rebecca Richards-Kortum, which is applying bioengineering to a new generation of global health diagnostics and medical devices.
The James Baker Institute at Rice will be working with the NSTM to shape new public policies for the NTDs and NIoPs.
A newly established National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing at Texas A&M for educating the workforce in the area of development, manufacture, and testing of new vaccines including those for biodefense and public health emergency preparedness.
New collaborations with the University of Houston in the social sciences to apply economics and sociological studies to the problem of the NTDs. The School of Pharmacy will offer opportunities to initiate drug development studies.
Together, the Center for Vaccine Development and these institutions are exploring a range of research programs and initiatives in order to address challenges in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
