January 12, 2007

Rotavirus vaccine studies named 2006 Papers of the Year

This week, The Lancet singled out for recognition the achievements of researchers evaluating new vaccines against rotavirus. Two research papers on the results of clinical trials examining the safety and efficacy of rotavirus vaccines—jointly published in the January 5, 2006, edition of The New England Journal of Medicine—have earned the distinction of the 2006 Papers of the Year. PATH extends congratulations to the study investigators for their pioneering contributions to the global rotavirus agenda with what The Lancet’s editors called “the best medical research of the year.”

These articles provide essential evidence to policymakers in developing countries as they consider rotavirus vaccine introduction in the public sector. Together with data from clinical studies in Africa and Asia that PATH’s Rotavirus Vaccine Program is conducting in collaboration with the vaccines’ manufacturers, they illuminate the health impact of rotavirus vaccines.

The Paper of the Year award was established in 2003. Papers published by any source may be nominated by the journal’s International Advisory Board, and The Lancet's editors make the final selection. In submitting their nominations, board members are asked to consider articles that speak to the value of teamwork in research, address neglected issues in medicine, and link scientific advancements to public health, among other considerations. Two papers on the sequencing and characterization of the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic virus received the honor last year.

To read the full text of this year’s award-winning articles, please click on the following links:

Ruiz-Palacios G, et al. “Safety and efficacy of an attenuated vaccine against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis.” New England Journal of Medicine. 2006; 354(1):11-22. (Also available in Spanish, French, and Russian)

Vesikari T, et al. “Safety and efficacy of a pentavalent human–bovine (WC3) reassortant rotavirus vaccine.” New England Journal of Medicine. 2006; 354(1):23-33. (Also available in Spanish, French, and Russian)

The Lancet’s official press release announcing the award may be viewed here.

 The PATH Rotavirus Vaccine Program is supported by the GAVI Alliance.