Team Science and Accelerated Vaccine Introduction in Cuba: A View from the Pneumococcal Project.

Nivaldo Linares-Pérez

doi:10.37757/mr2019.v21.n1.8

Abstract

The process of research and evaluation of new products and technologies requires a combination of transdisciplinary theoretical and methodological approaches for managing and achieving objectives. The research, development and evaluation strategy of the new Cuban pneumococcal vaccine combines the approaches of team science and accelerated vaccine introduction. These frameworks are proposed for discussions regarding biotech product evaluation, using their application to the Pneumococcus Project as an example. Emphasis is on the use of team science to eliminate obstacles to obtaining a product of great scientific and technological complexity while establishing robust scientific evidence to support its use and marketing. All of this is in support of opportune and efficient decisions for accelerated introduction of new vaccines in Cuba.

Highlights

The process of research and evaluation of new products and technologies requires a combination of transdisciplinary theoretical and methodological approaches for managing and achieving objectives
The research, development and evaluation strategies use the perspective of two approaches: team science[1] and accelerated vaccine introduction,[2] both adapted to the Cuban context
The effort entails the combination of public financing from the Cuban government, available through the Fund for Science (FONCI), and the Finlay Vaccine Institute, of the BioCubaFarma Business Group, with technical assistance from the National Health System, such as the Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute (IPK); the National School of Public Health (ENSAP); the Provincial Health Services (SPS) of Cienfuegos, Havana and Santiago de Cuba; and the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) national programs.[8]