A new referential tool has been released, outlining a list of priority pathogens to watch out for. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published the ‘Priority pathogen families research and development (R&D) tool’, which outlines a list of 24 pathogens that pose the biggest threat to public health. The tool is split between priority viral families such as norovirus and Marburg virus, and priority bacterial families such as E.Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus. The tool stated:
‘The pathogen families were agreed for inclusion through pragmatic consensus of UKHSA experts. That consensus was reached broadly through consideration of a pathogen family’s pandemic and epidemic potential (as demonstrated by existing pathogens within those families), burden of disease, and existing diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines (DTV) pipelines.’
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The list was published to inform the development of preventative measures to avoid another potential pandemic. The 24 pathogens highlighted by the tool aim to draw focus and investment into their DTVs. Health leaders claim that early research would therefore allow for the development of treatment and preventative measures to ensure better preparedness against threats to public health.
‘We are using the tool as part of our conversations with the scientific community, to help ensure that investment is focused to where it can have the biggest impact,’ said Dr Isabel Oliver, Chief Scientific Officer for UKHSA. ‘We hope this will help to speed up vaccine and diagnostics development where it is most needed, to ensure we are fully prepared in our fight against potentially deadly pathogens.’
The full list can be found on the UKHSA website.