An innovative new network of 'hibernating' research studies will improve the UK's preparedness for another influenza pandemic, according to a newly published article in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
The research network sits on standby, with studies ready to be activated if an outbreak strikes.
The network could be replicated in whole or part by other countries, says lead author Colin Simpson, Professor of Population Health and Associate Dean – Research and Innovation at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand.
Professor Simpson leads one of the eight studies in the network, building on previous work conducted as part of the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research.
Learning from the swine flu pandemic
The portfolio of studies was established by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), following the 2009 flu pandemic. That pandemic involved the A/H1N1 flu strain, commonly known as ‘swine flu’, and caused at least 3,700 deaths in the UK and more than 200,000 worldwide.
When the pandemic broke out, relevant research was rapidly commissioned, funded and delivered under challenging circumstances. But, even with accelerated processes, some studies were completed too late to have an immediate significant impact on clinical care.
The studies were slowed down by inherent delays in calling for research proposals and assessing, funding and setting up subsequent projects, including obtaining relevant ethical and regulatory approvals.
Set up and poised for action
To combat delays, in 2012 a suite of studies was established, pilot tested where relevant and hibernated in a maintenance-only state awaiting activation if another pandemic is declared.
The studies cover key care and public health aspects of a flu pandemic, including surveillance, vaccination, triage and clinical management.
The EAVE study, building on earlier work
Professor Simpson, in his role as Honorary Clinical Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, is leading the EAVE (Early estimation of pandemic influenza Antiviral and Vaccine Effectiveness) project, which builds on previous studies SIVE and SIVE II (Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness).
EAVE incorporates a unique nationally linked community and laboratory dataset, allowing the rapid evaluation of any new vaccination and antivirals. The EAVE project also provides information to help with targeting any available pandemic influenza vaccine at those who are considered to be at increased risk of serious illness or death from pandemic influenza infection.
Collaboration not competition
Although a lot of information about the research network’s performance will not be available until studies are brought out of hibernation, a number of important lessons have already been learned, says Professor Simpson.
All too often researchers are in competition when trying to answer research questions in an emergency situation. In contrast, the UK model allows for advance funding and planning of a complementary suite of studies, system testing and developing a collaborative network of researchers.