Wyeth scientists pick up accolade for Prevnar

A team of scientists employed by Wyeth have been awarded with the National Medal of Technology for their work on the discovery, development and production of Prevnar (pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine [diphtheria CRM197 protein]).

The highest accolade for technological achievement, the medal was given during an awards ceremony by US president George W Bush at a White House ceremony last week, with Drs Dace Madore, Ronald Eby, Velupillai Puvanesarajah and Ms Maya Koster being recognised with the award.

Prevnar is the first vaccine on the market designed to protect infants against invasive pneumococcal disease contracted through vaccine serotypes.

Bernard Poussot, president, chief operating officer and vice-chairman, of Wyeth, said: “This award is a testament to these outstanding scientists and their colleagues as well as the pioneering science employed by Wyeth in the development of Prevnar.”

He added that the award also recognises the talent available to Wyeth that is driving its research and development efforts to boost public health.

In July 2006, Wyeth reported its half-year financial results, noting that a key factor in the sales success of its Prevnar vaccine was the introduction of the compound into the National Immunisation Programme in the UK.

This initiative aims to protect British children against the seven strains of pneumococcal bacteria most likely to cause illness.