New report and event examine the new era of vaccines

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, leading minds will come together for an in-depth conversation centered on vaccines ? their critical role in warding off disease, the innovative science powering breakthroughs in their research and what their future might look like.

For decades, vaccines and immunizations have played a critical role in protecting public health. A new report released today examines the integral value of vaccines in preventing the spread of illness and, in many places around the world, eliminating deadly infectious diseases. Smallpox has been eliminated and 16 diseases are now preventable in the United States as a result of childhood vaccines.

In order to develop vaccines, researchers must work together with stakeholders to overcome unique scientific, clinical and logistical challenges. America's biopharmaceutical companies are committed to advancing a new era of both preventative and therapeutic vaccines for patients. Our 2017 Medicines in Development: Vaccines update, released today, highlights the more than 260 vaccines in development to treat and prevent disease. These groundbreaking discoveries could alleviate the suffering of millions of people around the world.

Today's event, "Vaccines + Immunity: Examining Modern Medicine," is sponsored by PhRMA as part of the GOBOLDLY campaign. Led by The Atlantic, this event will engage researchers, scientists, academics, policy makers and non-profit leaders to discuss how the research community can work together to drive vaccine innovation and effectively engage with the public to communicate the vital importance of vaccines. Speakers from GSK, Merck and Pfizer will all appear on stage.

Watch the live discussions and panels here.

Contact: Andrew Powaleny; 202-835-2460; [email protected]

SOURCE Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)