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Conference Synopsis
ICAV 8th International Symposium
Challenging Pandemics: Science, Funding and Policy
The ICAV 8th International Symposium took place October 3-6, 2009 in Ajaccio, France on the beautiful island of Corsica. The conference was attended by 79 scientists, public health experts, and industry representatives from 17 countries, including Europe, North America, India, Australia, Ghana, Nigeria, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Israel. In addition to providing a convivial and intimate atmosphere for ICAV members to foster collaborations and partnerships, the key objectives of the symposium were: to identify novel therapeutic avenues in the HIV field; integrate all aspects related to Dengue research in order to organize and impact the nascent field of emerging virus control strategies; identify and bridge the gaps in the rapidly evolving field of emerging viruses; focus on global public health in response to H1N1; and identify and develop innovative funding and spending mechanisms where public attention is competing with the worldwide financial crisis.
A professional yet intimate atmosphere was enjoyed by all. Delegate Dr. Shahid Jameel Group Leader, Virology for the ICGEB in India noted in his blog that "this is definitely one of the best meetings that I have attended in a long time. Besides the beautiful surroundings, the science was good, discussions were intense but friendly and informal, the organization was superb, and there were just enough people to make it scientifically interesting yet personal." Dr. Chris Overall from the University of British Colombia called it “one of my highlights of this academic year.” Excellent presentations from a variety of disciplines related to all areas of anti-viral research and development were complimented by in-depth discussion, and of course, the warm hospitality of our Corsican hosts.
The session on HIV featured presentations by academic scientists, industry professionals, and public health officials on new avenues for the development of anti-viral HIV strategies. Highlights included a presentation by Dr. R.S. Paranhape from the Indian National AIDS Research Institute on Indian anti-viral drug development initiatives and the potential for collaboration with ICAV, and a presentation by Dr. Jan ter Meulen from Merck on the industry’s perspective on current challenges regarding HIV vaccine and drug development efforts.
The session on Dengue showcased the ICAV collaborative model at its best—linking basic academic research with epidemiological information and clinical challenges. Chaired by Dr. Olaf Horstick from WHO/TDR, the session established the advances in the field of the development of dengue anti-virals; the need to reflect carefully about target populations for a possible anti-viral agents; and the need to create networks including basic research to implementation research for the development of effective anti-virals. The lively roundtable following the presentations touched on issues such a linking ICAV with existing networks and developing milestones for needed clinical and basic research with regards to developing novel anti-viral therapeutic strategies. The session engendered much follow-up, which ICAV will be coordinating in the months to come.
The focus on emerging viruses spanned several sessions, linking presentations such as Dr. Angela McLean of Oxford on Modelling Pandemics—outlining the need for comprehensive anti-viral strategies—with presentations on several potential broad-spectrum anti-viral candidates. A session presenting the “non-academic” view surveyed the anti-viral world from social and industry perspectives.
The discussions on innovative financing strategies featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Phillippe Douste-Blazy, Chairman of the UNITAID executive board, and Under-Secretary General of the United Nations for Innovative Financing for Development. The discussion outlined strategies for financing the development of anti-viral therapies for emerging and neglected diseases, which ensure universal and equitable access, a core mandate of ICAV. Mr Pierre Jeanniot, Chair of the Board of the Foundation on Anti-Virals (FAV), ICAV’s sister foundation, addressed the gala dinner outlining the substantial progress FAV has made over the past year, including securing a $2 million grant from the Government of Quebec to start operations.
In addition to a meeting of the International Steering Committee, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between ICAV and five Indian institutions towards the development of an ICAV-India.
ICAV would like to thank its sponsors for the generous support, including the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Ontario Government, the International Development and Research Centre (IDRC), ISTP Canada, the Government of France, AstraZeneca, Arrow Therapeutics, Air Canada, and CIR&D. ICAV would also like to thank the Mayor of Ajaccio for his warm and personal welcome.
The 9th ICAV International Symposium will be held in Montreal in Fall of 2010.
