Johnson & Johnson announced on Thursday that it would expedite the development process of a vaccine against Ebola virus.
The American multinational medical device manufacturer said in a Marketwatch release that its researchers will focus on creating a vaccine regimen that will help boost the patient's immune system.
The World Health Organization has released a road map that aims to stop the spread of the Ebola virus in six to nine months.
The company announced in a blog post that is collaborating with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which is part of the National Institutes of Health, so that the researchers can access some information and services that could help develop a vaccine.
"In light of the current emergency in West Africa and given the evident, huge unmet medical need, we are stepping up our efforts and accelerating the Ebola program currently in pre-clinical development," said Dr. Johan Van Hoof, global head of infectious diseases and vaccines for Janssen and managing director for Crucell. "We recognize the urgency of the situation and the need to collaborate with multiple partners to develop treatment and preventive solutions for Ebola."
The development plan includes drafting an intensive review of Ebola's pathophysiology pathways to identify if current medicines could be used to cure a person infected with the virus. Johnson & Johnson will also provide additional support to Direct Relief International, a non-government organization that facilitates the air transfer of products used to prevent further infection in regions in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
