As soon as the role of mRNA in the cell was elucidated, scientists hypothesized that it could be used as a vehicle for rapid deployment of vaccines. After many decades of research, this hypothesis was finally validated in the BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines for Covid-19. As we move toward the latter stages of the covid-19 pandemic, please join us for a talk that will elucidate the motivations and innovations behind mRNA vaccines, their future and how their safety and efficacy were ensured by the regulatory process. Our esteemed ACS member, Dr. Rebecca Anderson, will bring all the experiences of her long career in pharmaceutical research, development and regulatory approval to the discussion of mRNA vaccines, their efficacy and their safety.
A free lunch will be provided as well as free parking. Please use the form at the bottom of this page to make your reservation for this lecture to help us plan for the event. We look forward to seeing you.
Date: Saturday, April 23, 2022
Time: 11:15 AM to 2:30 PM
Location: Engineering and Sciences Building Room 1001 (ESB 1001). Click here for UCSB campus map Nearest parking lot is lot 10. To attend this lecture via Zoom, please answer “Yes” to the question regarding Zoom attendance in the RSVP form below. You will receive the Zoom information prior to the lecture.
Cost: Free, a box lunch and beverages will be provided.
Abstract
This presentation will provide an overview of COVID-19 and the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The design and development of the mRNA and viral vector vaccines will also be highlighted, along with the regulatory approval process and a brief discussion of new research directions. The presentation will conclude by listing some pros and cons of vaccination vs. viral infections.
Rebecca J. Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Coe College and a Ph.D. in pharmacology from Georgetown University. She held a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Toronto and conducted basic research in pharmacology and toxicology at George Washington University Medical Center and the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She has served as an advisor to NIH, EPA, and FDA. After 25 years in research and development at several pharmaceutical companies, she became a freelance medical writer. She is a 50-year member of the American Chemical Society. Dr. Anderson is the author of two books: Career Opportunities in Clinical Drug Research (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press) and Nevirapine and the Quest to End Pediatric AIDS (McFarland Publishing)