The University of Siena and Novartis Vaccines launch the first Masters program in Vaccinology and Clinical Development

The University of Siena and Novartis Vaccines launch the first Masters program in Vaccinology and Clinical Development

• The first international pool of experts engaged in the on-site struggle against the main pathologies afflicting developing countries comes to life in Italy
• New program launched by the University of Siena in conjunction with Novartis Vaccines will contribute to the eradication of neglected diseases
• Dynamic partnership between the public and private sector will focus on the theoretical and practical issues of the clinical development of new vaccines

Siena, May 27, 2009 - Today the University of Siena inaugurated the first 2nd level Masters program in Vaccinology and Pharmaceutical Clinical Development in Italy. The two-year program begins this month and will train a select group of doctors from developing countries - primarily from Africa and Asia - in the clinical research of new vaccines.

The aim of the project is to create a pool of top-level MDs who can return to their countries as "ambassadors" of new and innovative techniques in the field of vaccine research and development. Ultimately, this program will address ways to combat some of today's most virulent diseases, such as meningococcal meningitis, pneumococcal disease, and Typhoid fever.

The University of Siena will take advantage of the scientific know-how and experience of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics for the Masters program.  Both the Novartis Vaccines Research and Development Centre in Siena and the Novartis Vaccines Institute for Global Health (NVGH) focus on bringing effective and affordable vaccines to people in developing countries who need them most.

"The course, which starts today, is just one among many excellent programs originating from a successful collaboration between Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics and the University of Siena", explains Professor Silvano Focardi, Rector of the University of Siena. "Numerous projects have emerged from this dynamic partnership, providing invaluable advances in the area of neglected disease research and development. Such best-in-class partnerships enable companies and universities to leverage advanced knowledge and resources which combined, allow us to make a greater impact on health for the resources expended ."

"Clinical research and development of vaccines, along with immunology, infectivology and biostatistics, are some of the core subjects that will be addressed during the program", explains Professor Ranuccio Nuti, coordinator of the Technical-Scientific Committee. Our aim is to provide these medical professionals with the knowledge necessary to meet the demands arising in the area of neglected diseases as well as to prepare them to react proactively to situations such  as the recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus in Mexico."

The Masters program offers a comprehensive overview of various disciplines in vaccinology, focusing on the theoretical and practical issues of the clinical development of new vaccines. The Masters will consist of:

• Theoretical training: The first year of the course will focus on a broad spectrum of reference subjects such as immunology, infectivology, methodology of clinical research, pharmacovigilance, biostatistics, clinical data management, and vaccine production.
• Practical application: The second year of the course will focus on applying the skills acquired during the program in vaccine research and development programs conducted by the Novartis Vaccines Research and Development Centre in Siena.

"The inauguration of this Masters program is the culmination of years of intense work, bringing us closer to our ultimate goal -  training doctors from developing countries so that they are able to contribute to the establishment of centers of excellence for clinical vaccine research in their own countries where these vaccines are most needed", states Dr. Audino Podda, Head of Clinical Development at the NVGH.

Novartis Vaccines lends extensive knowledge in vaccine research and development and is committed to supporting the Masters program and its students, not only with its own know-how and team of experts, but also by granting scholarships for 12 of the physicians selected for the pool.

"This initiative exemplifies an  effective collaboration between a private enterprise and a university. We are proud to contribute to such a positive model of multiculturalism in Italy" concludes Dr. Giovanni Della Cioppa, Head of Global Clinical Research & Development for Novartis Vaccines.

About Novartis

Novartis AG provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in these areas. In 2008, the Group's continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 41.5 billion and net income of USD 8.2 billion. Approximately USD 7.2 billion was invested in R&D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 98,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

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