₦airaland Forum

The ongoing Ebola outbreak in West Africa is the deadliest in history, with more than 500 dead and hundreds more infected. The particular virus in this outbreak, known as the Zaire ebolavirus, is the deadliest type of the disease; it has killed 79 percent of those infected in previous outbreaks.

This isn't how an Ebola outbreak has to work. Researchers have devoted lots of time to building a vaccine that could stop the disease altogether — and according to Daniel Bausch, a Tulane professor who researches Ebola and other infectious diseases, they're making really significant progress.

Bausch says that the obstacle to developing an Ebola vaccine isn't the science; researchers have actually made really great strides in figuring out how to fight back against Ebola and the Marburg virus, a similar disease.

"We now have a couple of different vaccine platforms that have shown to be protective with non-human primates," says Bausch, who has received awards for his work containing disease outbreaks in Uganda. He is currently stationed in Lima, Peru, as the director of the emerging infections department of Naval Medical Research Unit 6.

The problem, instead, is the economics of drug development. Pharmaceutical companies have little incentive to pour research and development dollars into curing a disease that surfaces sporadically in low-income, African countries. They aren't likely to see a large pay-off at the end — and could stand to lose money.

Bausch and I spoke Wednesday afternoon about where things stand with developing an Ebola vaccine, what hurdles remain, and how you test a drug that only shows up in infrequent outbreaks. What follows is a transcript of our conversation, lightly edited for clarity and length.

Sarah Kliff: Can we start with where things are on the science of Ebola vaccines, and how much we know about the best way to prevent the disease?

Daniel Bausch: There have been some significant developments for both vaccines and treatments for Ebola and its sister virus, Marburg virus. We now have a couple of different vaccine platforms that have shown to be protective with non-human primates. The most notable development are monoclonal antibodies that are engineered to bind with the ebola virus. There have been breakthroughs in the past few years and, not only are they protective when given right after exposure, but they also work a few days after the illness starts.

That's the good news, but we've had a real break in trying to move forward to get these into human trials and get them out there as a real tool we can use for people infected with these viruses.

SK: So what stands between that science and getting these drugs to Ebola patients?

DB: Part of that is economics. These outbreaks affect the poorest communities on the planet. Although they do create incredible upheaval, they are relatively rare events. So if you look at the interest of pharmaceutical companies, there is not huge enthusiasm to take an Ebola drug through phase one, two, and three of a trial and make an Ebola vaccine that maybe a few tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of people will use.

"the drugs are out there. its much more of a situation with economic and logistical challenges."

There's not a huge demand for this, but there could be other ways to move forward. There are concerns, for example, about Ebola being used as bioterrorism, and that drives a lot of the funding for this. The Department of Defense might be interested in a vaccine if they thought the disease could be used as a weapon.

We need to find the mechanism to get to the next step, and get them out there for actual use.

SK: As you mention there are multiple phases of drug testing, starting with phase one tests for safety and then moving into later phases to test if the drug actually works. How far have the Ebola vaccine candidates you mention made it in that process?

DB: There is one vaccine that has gone through phase one testing [where the drug is tested on a small number of humans for safety]. Now the challenge is how do we get into phase two trials, which test efficacy. How do you plan a prospective trial of something that we don't know where it will be seen next, in outbreak form?

The drugs are out there. It's much more of a situation with economic and logistical challenges.

SK: Where does most the funding for research on the Ebola vaccine come from now?

DB: The research has been almost exclusively through the National Institutes of Health. I think a lot of that has been driven by our country's concern over bioterrorism, and the use of some viruses as weapons. I'm not saying that's not one legitimate reason to do research, but just that its a different driving force.

"We need to find the mechanism to get to the next step and get [the drugs] out there for actual use"

The way our whole medical-industrial research system works, and this is not unique to Ebola, is the basic research gets done with NIH funding and, after that, research and development happens through private investment. For many different diseases, they get stalled and prevented from going beyond the basic research side, before they can be a real world treatment.

SK: How would you envision an Ebola vaccine working in practice? Is this something you would give to everybody, or try and provide to people at high risk?

DB: There could be a case for limited widespread use, if that doesn't sound too contradictory. I wouldn't anticipate it would be cost-effective or really practical to take the approach of widespread vaccination. It would work more like how we currently handle Yellow Fever: when you have an outbreak, you go in and really rapidly vaccinate the 100,000 or so people who are in the area that is at risk. I would see it more like that, but with an Ebola vaccine. We would go in right away and say, the next day, we have 100,000 doses with our teams and start protecting people.

SK: Have any humans ever used any of the Ebola vaccines that aren't yet approved for market? I've seen a bit of chatter about the idea of giving patients experimental treatments, which might be better than nothing.

DB: So far its been more tossed around but not really acted on yet. There is one exception, but it wasn't an outbreak. There was a needle-stick injury in a lab, and that person was able to get a post-exposure Ebola vaccine. The person didn't get sick, but we don't know if the vaccine was what protected him. We can't even be sure the accident infected him. The only conclusion we can make is that, with this sample size of one, is that person did not have severe side effects from taking it.

ebola vaccines "do seem to be safe in non-human primates"

Some concern, about using these non-approved drugs, is that we would be giving the impression of experimenting on people. That creates a lot of reticence — if someone is treated and dies — that you could have causality attributed.

That being said, they do seem to be safe in non-human primates and we don't see adverse effects in the ones that have gone through limited phase-one trials. Most of us in the field, if we were laying in bed with Ebola and asked whether to take it, I think all of us would say, "Bring it on." Safety trials be damned; I would want to give it a shot.

Source: http://www.vox.com/2014/7/31/5952665/ebola-virus-vaccine-why-hasnt-it-happened

These ladies calling guys broke a$$ niggas, oya no vex. How much do you expect guys to give una: 1/10 of their monthly/annual salary (una be wetin) or as guys dey collect salary make dem dey shift am to una?
Anyways, I think (as a guy) if you can remember the max amount you've given your date, then it is either you are in lust (and expect something in return) or you didn't give it to her with all your heart cos if you did, it won't matter how much you give/spend on her.

colossus2: When will people stop this tribal war

I wonder o. As if it is not same thing all over the country.
If it were Ibo's in the news, they jab and you complain, you are a foolish Ibo man.
If it were Yoruba's in the news, they jab and you complain, you and Dele Giwa should have been bombed together.
If it were Hausa's in the news, they jab and you complain, they will report you to SSS as one of the sponsors of Boko Haram.
I don tire for the crop of youth we have these days; while our elders are busy lining their pockets with our 'future' for themselves and their generations, we are busy fighting each other on tribal lines. When these our elders die off, what future do we see for ourselves?

Smartsyn: hmm


when a pet turn thief, then we should switch to plan B and that is reminding them that they're still meat..



I don't eat dog meat though

Keep eating animals and forget there is Ebola virus running amok. Abi you weren't informed too? Contunu.

Mrcdorv: Yes we have been on strike since last week due to new development on increment of Nacho Handling charges.We are trying as an Agent to ensure this new development is not accomplished.The strike suppose to end tomorrow as the case maybe.

The only thing I promise myself that I will never try with my customers is lies because when you tell lies and you're caught you became untrustworthy and looking for ways to cover the other lies.

Please, what is the update about this strike? I have items trapped in the US over two weeks now and the guy I was supposed to get it for is becoming impatient. Any information I can get concerning this brouhaha will be helpful.

smileandlove: Ndi ibeanyi nda ga unu nmere? Unu nohu ereme? Unu bukwara! Ezi uzo chee unuoooo!

OP are you from Okposi?

Nna, anyi no kwa hu ereme ereme.

freshdude2: Hehehe. I can imagine how uncomfortable he'd have been when the lecture was taking place. Anyway, congrats on your child, in arrears.

Thanks a bunch.

cbrass: Wao lol..honestly your comment has really enlightened me. I thaught the thing is dangerous for the baby and mother, was even thinking the baby might get angry and grab your kini from inside but will she enjoy it like she has done before pregnancy

The V is no where near the womb. The baby won't even know anything is going on. As for them liking it, le wify practically keeps timetable of when we had it last and when next we should (which is like before I leave for work and twice before we sleep).

akraym: you traveled to Togo abi Benin

Lol

Togo abi Benin ke?
Na Panya I go o. ℓσℓ...

Dragonking: 6. Sex:

"It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." - 1 Corinthians 7:1

Basically the Bible doesn't want you to have sex unless you're married and it's for the purpose of making a baby. And it's not just sex, but anything even related to sex or even thinking naughty thoughts is against the rules. Good luck trying to follow them!

I beg to disagree on your comment about having sex just for making babies.
You only quoted and based your argument on verse 1, what about verse 2 to 5 (especially 5)?
You people should stop deceiving people then go behind to do exactly opposite of what you preach. This is one of the reasons I hate being dogmatic where religion is concerned.
Mtchewwwwww!!!!

dBard: Dude stop lying.
I am a-political, but wat u said is sooo untrue
Which area in Ph is d 18hrs light
Even my office area @d heart of GRA runs on gen at least half d time.
Lets call a spade a spade jare

If the OP said Elelewon, I believe it is true. Any other place outside there, na better lie! Woji is even worse off.

cbrass: Chisos!! how is that possible with that protruding tomy

It is very possible and very very advisable. You enter from behind but make sure she is very comfortable. I did with my wife till she was about 7 months and three weeks before I had to travel abroad for an official engagement. The baby came while I was away and it was a bit difficult for her; the Doctor was complaining to my brother (whom he assumed was le hubby until he was corrected) that if he had been servicing the kini, it would have been much easier (I for die of embarrassment like say na me dey there)

cbrass: Ogbwuche keh... That sounds ibotic

Is this the first time you are reading about this? Haven't you read he is from Kogi or you just want to bring tribal sentiment into this discussion. I just hate it when there are issues and the next thing seemingly sensible adults do is to start threading tribal lines. Absolutely uncalled for in any situation and this has always been the crux of serious issues in this country. If youths (which I am one) have not learnt anything from the past, is it when we are all grown that we will learn? These tribal jabs make me sick!

ahnie: @op please would it also work in the arms....cus I am also hairy there.

Nne, I don't know about the hair on the hand thing o.

^^ lol... Who told you? It can be done on Brazilian Hair joor

1- DEFROSTING A WINDSHIELD
For those of you staying in regions where there is snow: When winter comes you know what else is coming, icey roads and frosted windsheilds. Pour a can of coke over the windshield and watch the whole window frost disappear.

2- JELLYFISH STING
We've all heard that when you get stung by a jelly fish, to either get someone to pee on it or do it yourself. Well thats a myth and whats not a myth is pouring Coca Cola, and the pain will be relieved almost instantaneous (if only Will Smith knew this, he would not have died in the movie 7 Pounds. lol... na joke I dey o)

3- HAIR CURLING
Is it impossible for you to have curly hair? Open a can of cola out and leave it overnight, the next day pour it over your hair and rinse after a few minutes. Viola!!! (all the gals in the house, this is not enough reason for you to deprive Iya Risika that small money she would get from washing and setting)

4- SKUNK SMELL
Anytime you go camping this is definitely one of our worries is to be sprayed by a skunk, and knowing how harsh the spray can be. Pour a big bottle of Coca Cola all over you and wait at least 5-10 minutes for it to sink into the skin, then rinse off. you will smell fresh. (Good thing we don't have them in this side of the world, I would hate to waste my N70 on this)

5- DIRTY LAUNDRY
f the kids or you went fishing and you have that strong fish smell that is impossible to get out, pour some cola on the clothes before putting them into the wash , wait 15 minutes and wash, you will notice how fresh the clothes smell after.

6- WINDOW CLEANER
Coca cola contains citric acid which is just right for cleaning grease and dust off windows. Just get a cloth, pour some coke on there and start cleaning you will be amazing at how easy the dirt comes off. Keep in mind people drink this stuff on a daily.

7- TOILETTE CLEANER
If you have a lot of build up in and around your toilette, pour coca cola all over the dirty area and wait a good 15 minutes and watch the gunk spread away from the clean part. Grab a cloth and wipe away

8- SOOTHE YOUR PAW
When your pet gets older and their feet start to ware, their paws start to hurt a lot so get a glass bottle of cola and let their paws soak for 20 minutes, they will feel much better.

9- PESTICIDE
If you have a pesticide problem, have half cut open cans and put them around your yard, the sugar will attract the pesticides, while the acid will kill them. save a good bill on pest control.

10- CAR BATTERY CRUD
The crud that accumulates around the terminal and wires of the battery gets thick and grimey, water and cleaning products might not work so well, so grab a cloth and pour some coca cola on there and watch the dirt be swept.

Have you a splendid day!

Guy, you never wan marry. Please, show me any man you have seen that married a tribe and I will advice you to marry that tribe. Abi no be woman God say man go leave im papa and mama clive to? Did He ever say for this reason shall a man leave his father and mother and clive to a tribe? Think bro!
As for you saying yoruba women are dirty, I beg to say that is a fallacy of thought. I'm from the east and I am happily married to a lady from the west and I wouldn't have it any other way.
And Igbo girls staying with you when you have money? Ol'boy, e be like say na Ruben Abati dey feed you informtion. Na until you see Igbo gehs whey dey fight over one guy whey dey hustling level before you go decide weda na money or otherwise dem dey find for man.
Young man, go marry 'woman' whey you love and stop looking for a 'tribe' to get married to, you will never see one. That is my 3kobo.

2013: Rice and stew
2014: Fried rice

HTF did this make FP?

Promhize: OBJ is the worst thing to happen to Nigeria since Abacha

Before Abacha, OBJ was. So, point of correction, Abacha is the worst thing to happen to Nigeria after OBJ handed over govt to the civilians and OBJ continued from where he paused in 1999.

My agidi Ömö Ibo has finally paid off with Konga o. Went to their ikeja pick up center and insisted they give my phone or else they give my money. I eventually had to go to their warehouse to collect my item after 18days!

The Presidency

I think I know the way out (for those who are yet to place orders o)
Place orders and choose to pay on delivery, they will promptly ship as to collect the cash. If you pay while placing the order, you will grow old before they deliver (this is especially true for Konga 80% of the time)
The basis of my analysis?
I placed 3 orders on Dec. 2, 5 and 11th and paid for the orders I placed on 2nd and 5th but that of the 11th was to be paid on delivery. The 2nd and 5th orders are still "under warehouse processing" and the 11th order was delivered on the 16th.
Meanwhile, I've called severally to ask for the other ones that are yet to be deliver and the responses have varied from "your orders are with tranex" to the order being cancelled and reordered without my consent. I also sent two emails and made several calls to beg for the items to be sent to their Isaac John collection center as I am tired of waiting (since I have left PHC for Lagos) and I was assured by all the reps I spoke with that it will be done only to be called yesterday that the item has been sent to PHC.
So, my people, if you want to patronize these online scammers without being scammed, order to pay on delivery and it will be done pronto!

You should work hard at what gives you pleasure and pray for God to bless the work of your hand.

Why don't you show us the Mbiama axis of the road so that we can all see the fresh air that section is blowing.

Does anybody know where Konga's new warehouse is in Isolo?

Source?

[size=20pt]NEVER!!!![/size]

voltron: Part 2

Bros, you shouldn't have put your order numbers on the pictures you sent if you don't want your identity known.
With the order number, one can easily get your full name, address and phone number off Konga.com
Try edit the post to keep your identity to yourself (at least block out the first or last two digits)

ikpeam_ngozi: Is it konga or jumia pls

That goes to show you don't shop online or that you don't have issues that let's you send email to them. Ruby Chuku works with Konga, such an irresponsible b***ch.

I might be wrong but, has anybody noticed the similarity between Neyo's "One In a Million" Video and Iyanya's "Le Kwa Ukwu" Video?

Neyo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tpl9LtkRRw

Iyanya

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Giz00iJwsQA

The other day, someone was pointing to me how the remade "Skelewu" video by Davido looked so much like one oyinbo music video like that (I can't remember), now this one. Shey our music video directors don dey loose creativity ni?

PS: Can someone teach me how to embed Youtube videos on NL posts?

Last year when I was still in Lagos, twice (by gay men). One even told me he must sleep with me before I get married (the hidiot!)
This year, since I left Lagos, none.

I have always had a serious crush on Genevieve Nnaji.
And what I will do? Ask my wife