VACCINES
112th volume, 1st edition of the Folia Pharmaceutica
December 2024 In
mRNA vaccines, Adenoviruses & Mucosal vaccines
In Memoriam
This edition of Folia Pharmaceutica is in memory of our friend Mart Verhulst.
Mart Verhulst was born on November 29th, 2002 in Nieuwegein and passed away on July 25th, 2024 in Utrecht.
CONTENTS Agendas
AGENDA
K.N.P.S.V.
14.01: One-day Internship ChipSoft 25.01: January General Assembly 15.02: NIA-day 08.03: NationalConsultancy Talk 12.03: International Lecture 15.03: Bachelor Activity L.P.S.V.
Dear readers of the Folia Pharmaceutica,
Last September, we, as “Fons Vitae,” took over from the previous editorial team of the Folia Pharmaceutica. Over the course of this academic year, you will receive four editions from us, including this one, with the theme: Vaccines.
We chose this theme because vaccines have long been an essential tool in global healthcare. Many health crises caused by infectious diseases, such as smallpox, polio, DTP diseases (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus), and COVID-19, have been addressed through vaccination. Even though the effectiveness of vaccines is often proven, it remains crucial to continue informing and engaging
in dialogue about them. This is evident in the recent resurgence of measles due to mistrust in vaccines.
In this edition, we delve into the history of vaccines and discuss the latest developments in the field of mRNA vaccines, mucosal vaccines, and adenovirus vaccines. Additionally, our members share their experiences, and we look back on recent activities within the K.N.P.S.V.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Prof. Dr. Gideon Kersten, Prof. Karim Rafie, and Dr. Martin Beukema for their time and effort in contributing their knowledge through a scientific article. We also want to thank everyone else who shared their stories with us in this edition of the Folia Pharmaceutica.
I wish you much enjoyment as you read this 112th volume of the Folia Pharmaceutica!
On behalf of the editorial team “Fons Vitae”,
Farzaneh Fotovat Niya,
h.t. president of the editorial committee of the Folia Pharmaceutica ‘Fons Vitae’
Dear readers of the Folia Pharmaceutica,
After what we hope was a refreshing summer break, we are now three months into the new academic year. Winter announces itself with falling leaves and the world around us is painted in cold colours. It is with pride that ‘Fons Vitae’ presents the first issue of this academic year’s Folia Pharmaceutica. Behind the scenes, much effort has gone into creating engaging articles and sections, carefully crafted to inspire you and prepare you for our future as healthcare professionals.
The theme of this edition is ‘Vaccines’. Whether you were vaccinated as a child, during the Covid pandemic, or more recently for a long trip, this topic remains highly relevant. Vaccinations are far more
than just a simple “shot”; they represent, through thorough research, a vital cornerstone of public health. As future healthcare providers, we bear the responsibility of offering accurate information and delivering the best possible care.
In our studies, we’ve learned that vaccinations come in many forms and work in various ways. From active to passive immunization, and from live to inactivated vaccines—the field of vaccination is diverse and continually evolving. In this edition of the Folia, do we also explore the societal impacts and ethical dilemmas surrounding vaccinations, beyond their technical functioning? How does public perception of vaccines shift during pandemics, and how can we, as future healthcare providers, contribute to better, objective education? Vaccination sometimes raises questions about personal choice, risk assessment, and the importance of herd immunity. These are challenges we, as future pharmacists and healthcare providers, will undoubtedly encounter.
With flu season upon us and the days growing colder, it’s a great time to boost our vitamin intake. Grab a bag of mandarins, enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea, and take a walk through the forest as the leaves fall. Stay warm, stay healthy, and take good care of yourself this autumn & winter!
On behalf of the 122nd board of K.N.P.S.V., I wish you lots of reading pleasure with this first Folia Pharmaceutica edition of the academic year.
Anne-Maartje Dolmans president of the K.N.P.S.V.
Dear reader,
The summer vacation is already behind us, and winter is just around the corner. The windows in the boardroom are closing, and the heat is being turned up. As a board, we look back on a successful introduction period. After a very enjoyable and informative Introduction Day, many new first-year students were able to learn about the study and the association. In the evening, we hit the dance floor in Groningen to introduce the first-year students to the nightlife of Groningen. The following week, we traveled to Bakkenveen for the Introduction Camp. With two full buses, we were ready to make it a fun weekend. I look back on a great weekend and I am happy that so many enthusiastic students had the opportunity to get to know P.S.
The Editorial Committee of the Folia Pharmaceutica has chosen an interesting theme on ‘vaccines’. Fortunately, it almost feels surreal now to be biking home after curfew or sitting on a barstool in the pub. Without the COVID-19 vaccine, we would never have been able to reach this point. As pharmacists, we recognize the immense importance of vaccines, but not everyone in the Netherlands shares that view. That’s why I’m so pleased that the committee has chosen such a relevant topic. In the Netherlands, different COVID-19 vaccines are used. I personally received the Pfizer vaccine, an mRNA vaccine that uses genetic information to combat the virus. After the vaccines were introduced in 2021 and 2022, the number of COVID-related hospital admissions was more than 80% lower among vaccinated patients compared to unvaccinated patients. I am very much looking forward to reading and learning more about different types of vaccines and their impact in this edition of Folia Pharmaceutica.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the new Editorial Committee of the Folia Pharmaceutica on their publication and wish them a fantastic year ahead. I wish all readers much enjoyment and hope to meet you at one of the upcoming K.N.P.S.V. activities!
Kind regards,
On behalf of the 143rd board of the G.F.S.V. “Pharmaciae Sacrum”,
Jildou Bernaards h.t. praeses
L.P.S.V. „Aesculapius”
Dear members of the K.N.P.S.V., dear reader,
Summer is over, and soon it will be time to take our winter coats out of the closet again. The warm weather won’t be back for a while, but fortunately, we have plenty planned this winter to help us through the winter blues. On November 16, our association will celebrate its 139th anniversary—a special occasion that we will, of course, celebrate in grand style during our “dies” week in December. Despite the exciting times ahead, we haven’t been idle since summer. In September, we welcomed our new first-year members during the First-Year Weekend. Since then, we have organized many enjoyable and introductory activities to help them feel completely at home in our association.
Winter is not only a dynamic period for us as an association but also for the pharmaceutical industry. After all, flu season is just around the corner. This makes the theme of this edition of Folia— ‘vaccines’—very appropriate. Many vaccines are administered during the winter, as respiratory infections are more common at this time of year. The air is colder and drier in winter, which weakens the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. In addition, people tend to spend more time indoors where it’s nice and warm, while outside temperatures are icy. This gives viruses a better chance to spread from one person to another.
I would like to congratulate the Editorial Committee of Folia Pharmaceutica ‘24-’25, Fons Vitae, on producing their first edition as the new editorial team. I encourage all readers to thoroughly enjoy the stories and wish you a pleasant read! We look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming K.N.P.S.V. activities. There is only one thing left for me to say:
Vivat, Crescat, Floreat, „Aesculapius”,
On behalf of the 139e board of L.P.S.V. „Aesculapius” ‘Emazing’
Emma Soffner h.t. praeses aesculapii
Dear Reader,
Empty lecture halls, quiet campuses, and days spent behind a screen: this is what student life looked like during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this bizarre experience may not be familiar to everyone, it will forever resonate with the generation of students who studied during the pandemic. Everything that once seemed so normal, from a packed lecture hall to a night out with friends, was suddenly gone. It felt as if we had to put our student lives on pause, trapped in a vicious cycle of online classes and driving thorough a so-called ‘testing street’. Then, just when it seemed like there was no end in sight, that first vaccine finally arrived.
The vaccine, that one little vial of liquid, gradually brought us back our freedom. Vaccines appear simple at first glance: a shot, a bandage, done. However, beneath the surface of that small dose, there lies a world of complex science, strategy, and technique. That simple injection was the result of years of research, testing, and a significant dose of perseverance in the pharmaceutical world. What was once merely theory in our textbooks became reality and changed the world for good.
Now it is your time: a new cohort of pharmacy students who will never know what it is like to study during a pandemic. Alongside the older students who have studied during the pandemic, you will work together to address the challenges and consequences of it. You will learn how that one seemingly simple vaccine is the result of scientific precision and dedication. It is a beautiful example of how pharmacy always bridges the gap between the laboratory and society. Now, you begin the most prestigious study at a time when the world is accessible again, without lockdowns and empty campuses. Enjoy everything that student life has to offer. I wish you a wonderful, pandemic-free student experience!
With kind regards, on behalf of the 130th board of U.P.S.V. “Unitas Pharmaceuticorum”,
Lisanne van Elk h.t. praeses
Dear reader of the Folia Pharmaceutica,
The autumn months are starting again, and as the new board, we’re busy with everything our association has to offer. The first few months have flown by, and we’ve experienced so many wonderful moments. From welcoming the new batch of first-year students to celebrating our lustrum, and even inaugurating a new honorary member. The inauguration of a new honorary member doesn’t happen often, and I’m glad we had the opportunity to make it happen. While, we are already hard at work, so is the editorial team of Folia Pharmaceutica, as this is the first issue of the academic year.
In this edition of the Folia Pharmaceutica, a particularly important topic is discussed: vaccinations. Medical innovations like vaccinations are, of course, a crucial part of pharmaceutical research. Vaccinations are the unsung heroes of our time, and who better to tell this story than us, the members of the K.N.P.S.V.? As the student association for the programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Discovery Sciences, we at VCSVU understand like no one else the power of scientific research and the impact of medical innovations.
At VCSVU, we share a passion for developing new treatments and preventive methods against diseases, with the goal of improving public health. Vaccinations may be the perfect example of what our studies can achieve. They show how knowledge and research do not stay confined to the laboratory but directly contribute to the well-being of millions. As we specialize in pharmaceutical sciences and drug discovery, we continually look toward the horizon of innovation—the next discovery that can save lives.
The story of vaccinations reminds us why we do what we do: not only to fight diseases but also to create a healthier future for everyone.
On behalf of the 60th board of the VCSVU,
Ruurd Hondema h.t. chair
Dear readers,
The academic year has already started and time flies by. Summer is well over, you can tell. The days are a lot shorter and the weather is getting colder and grayer. We have not been sitting still at Hygeia in the past few months. In addition to the monthly dinners, we traveled to Munich with a large group to enjoy the Oktoberfest for a weekend! The annual cycling dinner also took place again. For this we cycled to various houses in Groningen with delicious dishes. Our open pink gin & tonic evening also took place recently, a nice moment to get to know girls who are interested in our association! We will soon be going on the first weekend of the year. The organization for the open karaoke evening is already in full swing, it will take place on January 25 after the GMM of the K.N.P.S.V.
This edition of the Folia is all about vaccines, something we all have to deal with a lot in our education and in daily life. In our youth, most of us receive a few, but they also play a major role at other times. For example, during the corona outbreak, it was a race to develop a vaccine as quickly as possible.
Next summer, we will travel with Hygeia to Guatemala for our anniversary trip. For this trip, we all need a number of vaccines, including DTP and Hepatitis A. For some countries, it is even mandatory to have certain vaccines when you travel. My advice is therefore to check this in time when you are planning a trip!
Finally, I would like to wish you all success with this academic year and I hope to see you all at the karaoke evening on January 25!
With pink greetings,
Joy Pennicotte-Henrie h.t. chairwoman of the Ph.V.D. “Hygeia”
Vaccination
1796:
Edward Jenner administers the first successful smallpox vaccination by using material from cowpox lesions, laying the foundation for modern immunology.
1885:
Louis Pasteur develops the first rabies vaccine and successfully treats a human patient, demonstrating the potential of vaccines against viral diseases.
1890: Emil von Behring discovers diphtheria antitoxin, leading to the development of the diphtheria vaccine and earning him the first Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
1937: The first yellow fever vaccine is created, significantly reducing the incidence of yellow fever in endemic regions.
1945:
The first influenza vaccine is approved for military use in the United States, later becoming available to the general public to prevent flu pandemics.
1955: Jonas Salk’s inactivated polio vaccine is licensed, initiating widespread immunization programs that drastically reduce polio cases worldwide.
1796 - 1890 1937 - 1955 1921 - 1926
1921:
The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine for tuberculosis is introduced, providing a method to prevent tuberculosis in humans.
1923:
The first diphtheria toxoid vaccine is developed, improving upon earlier treatments by inducing immunity without causing disease.
1926:
The first pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine is developed, leading to the control of this deadly childhood disease.
Did you know that vaccination saves an estimated 4–5 million lives each year?
Timeline
1980:
The World Health Assembly declares smallpox eradicated, marking the first successful elimination of a human disease through vaccination.
1986:
The first Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) polysaccharide vaccine is licensed in the U.S., reducing cases of bacterial meningitis in children.
2006:
The first human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is licensed, providing protection against cervical and other HPV-related cancers.
1980 - 2006 1963 - 1974
1963:
The first measles vaccine is licensed in the United States, leading to a significant decline in measles infections.
1971:
The combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is introduced, simplifying immunization schedules and improving vaccination rates.
1974: The World Health Organization launches the Expanded Programme on Immunization, aiming to bring vaccines to all children globally.
Did you know that the HPV vaccine can prevent certain types of cancer?
2014 - 2021
2014:
Clinical trials begin for the first Ebola vaccine during the West Africa Ebola outbreak, accelerating vaccine development for emerging infectious diseases.
2020:
The first mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines receive emergency use authorization, marking the fastest vaccine development in history and introducing new vaccine technology.
2021:
The World Health Organization recommends the widespread use of the RTS,S malaria vaccine, the first vaccine against malaria for children in sub-Saharan Africa.
mRNA vaccines: will they expectations?meet
Prof. Dr. Gideon Kersten
Coriolis Pharma, Martinsried, Germany and Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Division of
Biotherapeutics,
Leiden, The Netherlands
After Covid-19 spread lightning-fast over the globe, the development and provisional approval of effective vaccines almost went as fast. Among the frontrunners were mRNA vaccines. They are safe and had an efficacy above 90% after two immunizations (Soheili 2023). Therefore, the expectations for future vaccines based on mRNA vaccines are high.
What are mRNA vaccines and how do they work?
Vaccines based on mRNA do not contain antigen, as classical vaccines do, but the API is mRNA containing the genetic code for the antigen of interest. After injection the mRNA is delivered to the cytoplasm of cells and translated into protein. The foreign protein is detected by the immune system, resulting in an immune response. Since the antigen is produced inside cells it will be recognized and processed by the immune system similarly to a virus, leading to very complete immune responses, including innate immune activation and generation of antibodies and cytotoxic T-cells.
Native, naked mRNA is not able to produce much protein. In addition, unmodified mRNA is inflammatory. To become successful, two essential improvements were developed.
First, the mRNA itself was heavily optimized to make it more stable, to increase the translation efficiency and to reduce its inflammatory properties (Verbeke 2019).
Secondly, by incorporating the mRNA in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) it is better protected against degradation and LNP deliver their cargo to the cytoplasm. A crucial aspect of LNP is the use of ionizable cationic lipids. At low pH during manufacturing these lipids interact efficiently with the anionic mRNA. At physiological pH they become neutral and as a result non-toxic. Inside the acidic endosome they become charged again and this promotes the delivery into the cytoplasm (Cullis 2024).
Will mRNA vaccines replace classical vaccines?
Currently many mRNA based vaccines are in clinical development (Cullis 2024, Pardi 2024). These include viral as well as bacterial vaccines but also cancer vaccines are progressing rapidly. Some are in phase 3 and recently an mRNA RSV vaccine was licensed for use in elderly (see table 1).
It is unlikely however that mRNA vaccines will completely replace classical vaccines. Some antigens are hard to produce in situ. For instance, polio vaccine requires an intact viral capsid structure to induce functional immunogenicity. The capsid conformation is absent in case of separate capsid proteins. Even an empty poliovirus particle will have a different conformation compared to virus and protecting epitopes will be absent. It will be hard to build non-infectious native virus-like structures with only mRNA. Also, the very successful bacterial polysaccharide vaccines are not easily replaced by mRNA simply because these antigens are non-protein and there is no single gene coding for them.
That said, mRNA vaccines are a major step forward in vaccinology and they will improve the availability of vaccines worldwide.
Table 1. Licensed and clinical stage phase 3 mRNA vaccines (sources: Cullis 2024, Pardi 2024, precisionvaccinations.com) as per November 2024.
1)Low dose; contains self-amplifying RNA. 2)Failed (first attempt)
Literature
- Cullis P.R. and P.L. Felgner. The 60year evolution of lipid nanoparticles Drug Discov. 23, 709 (2024) doi: 10.1038/s41573-024-00977-6
- Pardi N. and F. Krammer. mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases - advances, challenges and opportunities. Nature Rev. Drug Discov. 2024, ahead of print doi: 10.1038/s41573-024-01042-y
- Precisionvaccinations.com
- Soheili M., et al. The efficacy and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines around the world: a mini-review and meta-analysis. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 22, 42 (2023) doi: 10.1186/s12941-023-00594-y
- Verbeke R., et al. Three decades of messenger RNA vaccine development. Nanotoday 28, 100766 (2019) doi: 10.1016/j. nantod.2019.100766
69th IPSF World Congress in Incheon, Zuid-Korea
From August 10th to 17th, I had the privilege of attending the 69th IPSF World Congress (WC) in Incheon, South Korea, together with a Dutch delegation of nine students. IPSF, the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation, is the global organization for (bio)pharmaceutical students, representing members from over 100 countries. During the IPSF World Congress, a large number of these countries come together for the so-called General Assembly (GA). Floor Eijken and I had the honor of representing Dutch students. It was incredibly exciting to cast votes on behalf of the Netherlands and contribute to the global pharmacy field!
The rest of the Dutch delegation participated in the educational program during the day, attending various symposia and workshops centered around the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Tomorrow: Navigating the Global Healthcare Transformation.” In addition to academic sessions, they took part in cultural workshops such as Korean cooking, Taekwondo, and K-Pop dance classes. They also went on excursions to places like ThermoFischer and a hospital pharmacy in Incheon. Yasemin Güller, another member of the Dutch delegation, participated in the Patient Counseling Event (PCE) during the congress. This is a platform to improve and showcase counseling skills on an international level. We are incredibly proud of Yasemin for ranking in the worldwide top 10!
Despite all the hard work, there was plenty of room to make friends and connections. Every evening, a social program was organized. One highlight was the International Night, where each country brought traditional dishes and wore traditional clothing. The Dutch delegation, of course, dressed in orange. Other events included a National Night, Auction Night, Talent Show and the Gala Night to wrap it all up. These social activities provided an excellent opportunity to get to know other delegations. During all the working together during the day—be it in the GA or workshops—and the social evenings, a lot of strong friendships were quickly formed. No matter where you come from, what your background is, or what your interests are, everyone was open to meeting new people and learning about their cultures.
Another great aspect of an IPSF World Congress is the chance to explore the host country and its culture during and after the event. For example, part of the Dutch delegation joined the Post-Congress Tour to Jeju Island, while others continued traveling through South Korea. It was an amazing way to spend the summer, and I can definitely recommend it! Next year, the World Congress will be held in Nairobi, Kenya. Would you like to join me and the rest of the Dutch delegation? Keep an eye on our social media channels or send me an email at commissarisbuitenland@knpsv. nl!
Lieke van Megen h.t. Commissioner of Foreign Affairs of the K.N.P.S.V.
K.N.P.S.V.Weekend
2024
On October 12 and 13, it was finally time for the K.N.P.S.V.-Weekend! We started Saturday with the autumn General Assembly (AV) at the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) in Leiden. During the break, a delicious lunch was organized, and after the break, we were able to enjoy, among other things, the visual material from the implemented motions. But above all: Dr. Hugo van der Kuy was inaugurated as an honorary member of our association, which was celebrated with a closing social drink after the assembly. This was a very special experience to witness.
After the social drink, there was some free time, followed by the activities of my committee, namely the dinner at Very Italian Pizza (VIP) and the party. The choices at VIP were abundant, with the pulled chicken pizza proving to be a real recommendation! After eating our fill, it was time for the themed party at NEXT, where we admired everyone’s beautiful hats and enthusiastically played beer pong and stress pong! Unfortunately, we had to head back to Groningen on time, but it was certainly a successful day.
After a successful general assembly, a diner at Very Italian Pizza and a party on Saturday, the 12 th of October. The board of the K.N.P.S.V. wanted to reward the committee members for their exceptional efforts throughout the year on Sunday, the 13 th of October. By organizing an activity for its members. The warmly dressed committee members gathered enthusiastically at Sporttainment Center De Uithof in The Hague. Ready for an afternoon of winter sport.
Once inside the members had to choose whether they wanted to ski or snowboard. After which they got a ticket to pick up their necessary equipment. When we were fully dressed, we scanned our tickets as if we were traveling by public transport. The gates opened and the cold breeze from the winter hall greeted us.
The members without prior experience of skiing or snowboarding waddled into the hall and were trying to steady their balance. After finding their balance it was time for the next challenge, going up the conveyor belt. Luckily this went without a hitch and the members were able to gather up a slope, ready to ski downwards. With perfectly formed pizza slice skis they slid downward and learned the most important skill, how to brake. Once they got a good taste of it, some dared to take the second conveyor belt up the slope. Some of them used the old and familiar pizza slice technique, some fell, and others managed to make turns. Pretty well done without lessons.
The experienced members went straight to the ski lift to reach the top and others tried to teach. Although the pizza slice technique was popular among a big portion of the inexperienced group, they were nowhere to see in the experienced group. The skis were tightly placed together, and they skied smoothly to the bottom. After some time, the ‘teachers’ let go of their pupils’ hands and went to the ski lift too.
Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious chocolate milk with whipped cream in the canteen and chatted among ourselves. Even though not everyone could ski, everyone had a great time! All in all, it was a nice afternoon to spend together.
Britt Everts & Stijn Eggermont
“Als VNA-apotheker heb ik de mogelijkheid om zonder groot financieel risico en met veel support zelf te ondernemen”
Luuk Dohmen
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Toch is dit precies wat VNA al sinds 1948 voor jonge apothekers doet.
Bij VNA kun je je registratiefase doorlopen. Word je vervolgens gevestigd apotheker, dan deel je na twee jaar al mee in de winst. Na vijf jaar beheer je de apotheek geheel zelfstandig als medevennoot van VNA. Uiteindelijk is de apotheek 100% van jou.
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Adenoviruses – a family of viruses that have tremendous potential as vaccines
Dr. Karim Rafie, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen
It is not too long ago that we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, which held our society in a tight grip. Thanks to the power of global scientific collaboration, researchers raced to develop effective vaccines in record time. Among the most widely used technologies were mRNA and adenovirus-based vaccines. While mRNA vaccines gained attention, adenoviruses emerged as a leading platform for their stability and adaptability.
Why is that?
Adenoviruses have a long history in scientific research, as their genome is well-characterised and genetically modifiable, allowing them to carry various genetic payloads, making them extremely useful as gene therapy tools.
Since then, researchers have unlocked more and more of the huge potential adenoviruses have, such as designing oncolytic adenoviruses for cancer therapy or as vaccination vectors. Especially the latter is quite a technological breakthrough and stems from certain advantages adenoviral vaccine vectors exhibit. For example, they have a broad tissue tropism, allowing them to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells, yet only cause mild diseases in immunocompetent human adults. By removing parts of their genome, they can be rendered replication-defective, which prevents them from actively replicating and multiplying in the human body, and therefore increases their
predictability and decreases the possibilities of unwanted side effects. In addition, adenoviruses can easily be grown to high amounts in a laboratory, and they are extremely stable, making them ideal for long-term storage even at ambient temperatures—crucial for vaccination in areas of the globe with higher average temperatures.
As mentioned before, adenoviruses can be easily manipulated to carry DNA encoding for foreign proteins, as in the case of the Spike protein of SARSCoV-2, which is a potent antigen and induces a strong immunological reaction, leading to strong protection against infection in vaccinated individuals. Indeed, this led to the rapid development of various SARS-CoV-2 adenoviral vaccines, five of which were clinically approved:
In summary, adenoviruses hold tremendous promise as a versatile platform for rapid vaccine development, ready to address emerging global health threats.
Word search: VACCINES
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Friend of the Season Fleur van Gelder
When I was seven years old, my mother decided to leave her career in dementia care behind and retrain as a pharmacy assistant. I still vividly remember visiting her internship site: the long drawers, the pristine white space, and the imposing jars in the corner for compounding. It left a deep impression on me, and in sixth grade, I decided to dedicate my school project and presentation to the pharmacy. I can still picture twenty curious classmates gathered around my mother as she, with sweat on her brow, carefully filled capsules. From that moment on, I knew for sure: I was going to be a pharmacist.
Choosing to study in Groningen turned out to be a perfect decision. The city exuded student culture; everyone lived in the city center, I never ate alone, and Thursday evenings were always spent at De Negende Cirkel. Before long, I was invited to join the SpoCo committee of the K.N.P.S.V. and was initiated into the most wonderful fraternity in the Netherlands: Ph.V.D. ‘Hygeia’ (Beautiful pink is not dirty!). This experience greatly enriched my student life, and to this day, I’m in daily contact with my fraternity friends. In my fourth year of study, I had the honor of becoming president of the K.N.P.S.V. It was a unique experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I had the opportunity to interact with various pharmacists on a professional level, which only deepened my desire to become a community pharmacist.
After graduating, I moved to Leiden for love, which, by the way, I found at a K.N.P.S.V. congress. In Leiden, I enthusiastically started working as a community pharmacist. Our profession is special; I’m at the heart of society, deeply involved in my patients’ treatments, and I work with amazing colleagues. As a community pharmacist, I enjoy the flexibility and dynamism; no two days are the same. Yesterday, I gave an in-depth presentation to home care staff about the role of the pharmacy. Later today, I’ll be discussing medication reviews with a doctor, and tomorrow, I’m organizing a lifestyle café in the neighborhood. Next week, I’m even heading to Aruba to give a presentation on a project at a diabetes symposium. In short, my work constantly offers new challenges, and boredom is a word I don’t know!
Mucosal Vaccines: Protecting Where Pathogens Enter
Vaccination is one of the most effective tools in modern medicine, protecting people from a wide range of infectious diseases. By training the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens like viruses and bacteria, vaccines prevent illness, reduce transmission, and save millions of lives each year. Through vaccines, deadly diseases like smallpox have been eradicated, and others like polio and measles are now rare in many parts of the world. Unlike natural infection, which can lead to severe illness, vaccination provides a safe path to immunity, making it essential for both individual health and global public safety.
Dr. Martin Beukema, Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen
Mucosal vaccines are a new type of vaccine that work where many infections begin—on the mucosal surfaces of our respiratory, digestive, or reproductive tracts. Traditional vaccines are typically injected intramuscularly, activating our body’s defense system to fight pathogens throughout the bloodstream and organs. However, many pathogens, including flu and coronaviruses, infect us through mucosal surfaces, such as those in our nose, mouth, or lungs. Mucosal vaccines are designed to provide protection directly at these points of entry, stopping infections before they can spread further in the body.
The mucosal immune system is unique because it is the first line of defense against pathogens entering through mucosal surfaces. Mucosal vaccines, often given as nasal sprays, work by training this immune system to recognize and respond to specific pathogens. When the vaccine is administered to a mucosal surface, it activates immune cells to produce antibodies and other immune responses right at the site of infection. This creates a barrier that blocks pathogens from entering deeper into the body and infecting other cells.
Most current mucosal vaccines are live-attenuated, which means they contain a weakened form of the pathogen that can’t cause disease but can still prompt a strong immune response. This type of vaccine can mimic a natural infection, teaching the immune system to recognize the pathogen without causing illness. However, live-attenuated vaccines may not be safe for people with compromised immune systems. Therefore, developing safe, effective mucosal vaccines that don’t contain live pathogens is a major focus of current research.
Mucosal vaccines hold promise in reducing the spread of highly contagious diseases, especially respiratory viruses. By stopping infection early, these vaccines could reduce transmission between people, making them a powerful tool in preventing outbreaks. Although still under development, mucosal vaccines represent a promising advance in our ability to prevent infections at their source and improve health worldwide.
Literature
[1] Vetter V, Denizer G, Friedland LR, Krishnan J, Shapiro M. Understanding modern-day vaccines: what you need to know. Ann Med. 2018 Mar;50(2):110-120. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2017.1407035.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fast Facts on Global Immunization. (2023) - https://www.cdc.gov/ global-immunization/fast-facts/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/immunization/data/fast-facts. html
[3] Pollard AJ, Bijker EM. A guide to vaccinology: from basic principles to new developments. Nat Rev Immunol. 2021 Feb;21(2):83-100. doi: 10.1038/s41577-020-00479-7. Epub 2020 Dec 22. Erratum in: Nat Rev Immunol. 2021 Feb;21(2):129. doi: 10.1038/s41577-020-00497-5.
[4] Lavelle EC, Ward RW. Mucosal vaccines - fortifying the frontiers. Nat Rev Immunol. 2022 Apr;22(4):236-250. doi: 10.1038/s41577-021-00583-2. Epub 2021 Jul 26. Erratum in: Nat Rev Immunol. 2022 Apr;22(4):266. doi: 10.1038/ s41577-021-00599-8.
[5] Huang M, Zhang M, Zhu H, Du X, Wang J. Mucosal vaccine delivery: A focus on the breakthrough of specific barriers. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2022 Sep;12(9):3456-3474. doi: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.07.002.
[6] Song Y, Mehl F, Zeichner SL. Vaccine Strategies to Elicit Mucosal Immunity. Vaccines (Basel). 2024 Feb 13;12(2):191. doi: 10.3390/vaccines12020191.
[7] Pilapitiya D, Wheatley AK, Tan HX. Mucosal vaccines for SARS-CoV-2: triumph of hope over experience. EBioMedicine. 2023 Jun;92:104585. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.
Kerst koekjes
Ingredients for c.a. 30 cookies
For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 75 g sugar
- 8 g vanilla sugar
- 125 g unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg yolk
For the decoration:
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- Smarties
Materials:
- Baking paper
- 1 plastic bag
- Rolling pin
- Plastic wrap
- Christmas cookie cutters or a cup
Preparation
1. Mix the flour with the sugar and vanilla sugar.
2. Add the egg yolk and the butter cubes and mix until crumbly.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 175°C (347°F).
5. Remove the dough from the fridge and place it on a lightly floured surface.
6. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin. Use cookie cutters or the rim of a glass to create shapes (e.g., circles for Christmas ornaments).
7. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, leaving some space between them.
8. Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely after removing them from the oven.
Decoration:
1. Mix 100 g of powdered sugar with 1 tbsp of water until it forms a glaze-like consistency. Transfer this mixture to a plastic bag.
2. Snip off a small corner of the plastic bag to pipe the glaze.
3. Before the glaze hardens, use it as “glue” to stick the Smarties onto the cookies.
And enjoy!
IS BENU IETS VOOR JOU?
Als werken aan slimme, persoonlijke en toegankelijke zorg samen met collega apothekers iets is wat je aanspreekt, dan willen wij jou graag in ons team! Als marktleider met onder andere meer dan 335 apotheken door het hele land bieden wij ambitieuze apothekers aantrekkelijke carrièremogelijkheden.
In onze BENU organisatie (onderdeel van Brocacef Groep) maken mensen het verschil en daarom stimuleren wij persoonlijke ontwikkeling en ondernemerschap. Collega’s die vooruit willen om de zorg te verbeteren, daar houden we van en daar zorgen we goed voor.
Wat zijn de mogelijkheden?
• Ga aan de slag in een BENU Apotheek als beherend of tweede apotheker;
• Ondersteun je collega’s ‘in het veld’ bij BENU vanuit het hoofdkantoor;
• Kies voor Brocacef Ziekenhuisfarmacie en geef integrale farmaceutische zorg aan instellingen.
En wat hebben wij te bieden?
• Brocacef Academy, met volledig geaccrediteerde cursussen en trainingen;
• Opleiding tot een volwaardige beherend apotheker;
• Ruime carrièrekansen en doorgroeimogelijkheden;
• Een werkplek met ruimte voor implementatie van jouw ideeën!
• Een groot netwerk aan collega’s om van te leren.
Nieuwsgierig naar jouw carrièremogelijkheden? Stuur ons een mail: recruitment@benu.nl, dan koppelen we jou aan de juiste persoon. Of kijk op www.brocacef.nl/werkenbij naar onze openstaande vacatures.
Colophon
Editorial Folia Pharmaceutica
2024-2025 “Fons Vitae”
Farzaneh Fotovat Niya President
Ignatios Evangelou Secretary
Aleksandar Nikolov Editor I
Diaco Ismail Editor II
Chido Chikomo Editor III
This Folia Pharmaceutica “Vaccines” is published on December 20th, 2024.
Acknowledgements
Our gratitude goes out to everyone who contributed to the creation of this Folia Pharmaceutica. In particular, the authors of all contributions and the 122nd board of the K.N.P.S.V.
Copy
Editorial Folia Pharmaceutica attn.
I.Evangelou, folia@knpsv.nl
Advertenties
VNA p. 31
Het apotheekloket p. 35
KNMP p. 41
BENU p. 43
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