2010 Events Agenda

Heparin and Low Molecular Weight Heparins

This course will be held on 25 and 26 October 2010 in the Netherlands, at the Regardz Berghotel, Amersfoort

Course Introduction and Aims
Unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin are two of the most widely used parenteral anticoagulants. The main clinical indication for these two drugs is the prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis. In 2005, approximately 79,900 prescriptions of low molecular weight heparin were dispensed in England alone; this equated to £8.2 million. Heparin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide with a complex but not chaotic structure. Its position as a non-protein biological is unusual, making its clinical and commercial success all the more remarkable. The development of low molecular weight heparins and other heparin derivatives and mimetics has added the prospect of an expanding and exciting future.

The use of heparin is increasing worldwide and current developments in its manufacture include the consequences of patent expiry for some low molecular weight heparin products, and the development of new products designed to exploit potentially useful non-anticoagulant properties of heparin. Recent contamination events have given rise to extensive revisions to pharmacopoeial monographs to ensure identity and purity of heparin products. This course will place particular emphasis on both the reasons for, and practical aspects of, the new methods introduced by these revisions.

Carbohydrate-based Vaccines

This course will be held on 8 and 9 November 2010 in the Netherlands, at the Regardz Berghotel, Amersfoort

Course Introduction and Aims
Many important diseases are caused by bacteria expressing cell surface carbohydrates, and where antibody responses against these glycans are protective against disease. This offers a mechanism to create protective immunity, which is now being widely exploited. This intensive post-experience course covers the development of polysaccharide and glycoconjugate vaccines, their manufacture and quality control, and those factors considered crucial for an effective product. The molecular mechanisms by which these vaccines work and clinical trial and post licensure monitoring of their effects will also be covered.