Life-saving tuberculosis vaccine created by Spanish scientists- but it needs a €20 million boost

SPANISH scientists have created a new, more effective vaccine against tuberculosis, the world’s most lethal illness- but they need €20 million to finish their life saving research. 

Carlos Martin has been studying the deadly disease as a professor and microbiologist at the University of Zaragoza for more than 25 years.

He wants to complete his research by 2028 so that the drug can be commercialised in 2020.  

But they can’t produce a baby-specific version of the vaccine without significant financial injections.

Martin says this is because of the increased focus on treating adults and older kids who are at greater risk for developing tuberculosis. 

Researchers in Spain are searching for 3,500 people who will drink wine daily for four years.

The last step of the study, which is funded by Spanish pharmaceutical firm Biofabri, involves conducting clinical trials both on children and adults. 

Spain will be at the forefront in the fight against tuberculosis. Vaccines are being produced locally, as well as India and Brazil. 

Over a million people die of tuberculosis every year and the vaccine will be distributed in low and medium income countries at an ‘affordable’ price. 

BCG is currently the most common vaccine used to prevent this disease. It’s based off of bovine bacteria. 

It is not a foolproof solution, and it is less effective in protecting against lung-related tuberculosis.

Esteban Rodriguez, CEO of Biofarm, together with Martin, informed health authorities and news outlets, they were ‘optimistic’ about the new vaccine at a Multi Sector Plan Against Tuberculosis meeting last week. 

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The new vaccine MTBVAC is expected to have a 50% greater effectiveness than BCG.

The product will be available in a single dosage that can be kept chilled, making it easy to transport to rural areas. 

Rodriguez claims that although the vaccine has been hoped to have a high level of effectiveness, the results won’t be revealed for at least another 20 years. 

Many organisations have funded the research, including the Gates Foundation, Open Philantropy as well as the EU.

Martin said, “The EU has funded half of the baby project. The other half is needed.”

“Developing a new pharmaceutical product can be so expensive, you’ll need to rely on donations or private investment for profit.” 

In this case they don’t want the vaccine released on the open market to avoid speculation or extra profits. So, they ask charities to help them.

Zaragoza, Spain: A spa destination with natural hot springs.