Diagnostic methods for the control of strongyloidiasis, Virtual meeting, 29 September 2020

Diagnostic methods for the control of strongyloidiasis, Virtual meeting, 29 September 2020

Author:

Publisher: World Health Organization

Published: 2021-03-22

Total Pages: 53

ISBN-13: 9240016538

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This is an existing infrastructure for other neglected tropical disease (NTD) control or elimination programmes, as was done to add schistosomiasis. The preliminary steps for implementing a strongyloidiasis control programme were shared, namely: - gain knowledge of the epidemiology of S. stercoralis; - conduct a field evaluation of the proposed intervention. Pilot interventions should evaluate the impact and feasibility of the proposed strategy (a pilot study is planned in Ethiopia); and - find a standard diagnostic tool to enable assessment of the public health burden of the disease and exchange of information among different research and control groups; for many countries there is no epidemiological information at all, so we need recommendations for assessment of baseline prevalence.


Book Synopsis Diagnostic methods for the control of strongyloidiasis, Virtual meeting, 29 September 2020 by :

Download or read book Diagnostic methods for the control of strongyloidiasis, Virtual meeting, 29 September 2020 written by and published by World Health Organization. This book was released on 2021-03-22 with total page 53 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is an existing infrastructure for other neglected tropical disease (NTD) control or elimination programmes, as was done to add schistosomiasis. The preliminary steps for implementing a strongyloidiasis control programme were shared, namely: - gain knowledge of the epidemiology of S. stercoralis; - conduct a field evaluation of the proposed intervention. Pilot interventions should evaluate the impact and feasibility of the proposed strategy (a pilot study is planned in Ethiopia); and - find a standard diagnostic tool to enable assessment of the public health burden of the disease and exchange of information among different research and control groups; for many countries there is no epidemiological information at all, so we need recommendations for assessment of baseline prevalence.


WHO guideline on preventive chemotherapy for public health control of strongyloidiasis

WHO guideline on preventive chemotherapy for public health control of strongyloidiasis

Author: World Health Organization

Publisher: World Health Organization

Published: 2024-07-24

Total Pages: 74

ISBN-13: 9240094024

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Human strongyloidiasis is a soil-transmitted helminth caused by infection with Strongyloides stercoralis, and it estimated to infect 300–600 million people worldwide. In recent years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been contacted by the health ministries of several countries in which strongyloidiasis is endemic for advice on how to address the disease as a public health problem. While there are no public health programmes specifically for control of strongyloidiasis, in some settings, preventive chemotherapy (PC) with ivermectin are being conducted to control lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. These programmes have demonstrated a reduction in prevalence of S. stercoralis infection, suggesting that PC may be a potential public health strategy in areas endemic for strongyloidiasis. WHO convened a guideline development group (GDG) to address the need to control strongyloidiasis and develop guidance. The objective of this WHO guideline is to provide an evidence-informed recommendation on whether PC with ivermectin as a public health intervention could reduce the disease burden. After considering all available evidence, The GDG made one recommendation which is annual mass drug administration with single-dose ivermectin in all age groups from 5 years and above in endemic settings with prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection ≥ 5%.


Book Synopsis WHO guideline on preventive chemotherapy for public health control of strongyloidiasis by : World Health Organization

Download or read book WHO guideline on preventive chemotherapy for public health control of strongyloidiasis written by World Health Organization and published by World Health Organization. This book was released on 2024-07-24 with total page 74 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Human strongyloidiasis is a soil-transmitted helminth caused by infection with Strongyloides stercoralis, and it estimated to infect 300–600 million people worldwide. In recent years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been contacted by the health ministries of several countries in which strongyloidiasis is endemic for advice on how to address the disease as a public health problem. While there are no public health programmes specifically for control of strongyloidiasis, in some settings, preventive chemotherapy (PC) with ivermectin are being conducted to control lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. These programmes have demonstrated a reduction in prevalence of S. stercoralis infection, suggesting that PC may be a potential public health strategy in areas endemic for strongyloidiasis. WHO convened a guideline development group (GDG) to address the need to control strongyloidiasis and develop guidance. The objective of this WHO guideline is to provide an evidence-informed recommendation on whether PC with ivermectin as a public health intervention could reduce the disease burden. After considering all available evidence, The GDG made one recommendation which is annual mass drug administration with single-dose ivermectin in all age groups from 5 years and above in endemic settings with prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection ≥ 5%.


Caring for People who Sniff Petrol Or Other Volatile Substances

Caring for People who Sniff Petrol Or Other Volatile Substances

Author: National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia)

Publisher:

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 33

ISBN-13: 9781864965223

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These guidelines provide recommendations that outline the critical aspects of infection prevention and control. The recommendations were developed using the best available evidence and consensus methods by the Infection Control Steering Committee. They have been prioritised as key areas to prevent and control infection in a healthcare facility. It is recognised that the level of risk may differ according to the different types of facility and therefore some recommendations should be justified by risk assessment. When implementing these recommendations all healthcare facilities need to consider the risk of transmission of infection and implement according to their specific setting and circumstances.


Book Synopsis Caring for People who Sniff Petrol Or Other Volatile Substances by : National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia)

Download or read book Caring for People who Sniff Petrol Or Other Volatile Substances written by National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia) and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 33 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: These guidelines provide recommendations that outline the critical aspects of infection prevention and control. The recommendations were developed using the best available evidence and consensus methods by the Infection Control Steering Committee. They have been prioritised as key areas to prevent and control infection in a healthcare facility. It is recognised that the level of risk may differ according to the different types of facility and therefore some recommendations should be justified by risk assessment. When implementing these recommendations all healthcare facilities need to consider the risk of transmission of infection and implement according to their specific setting and circumstances.


Bench aids for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites

Bench aids for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites

Author: World Health Organization

Publisher: World Health Organization

Published: 2019-09-02

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13: 9241515341

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This second edition of Bench aids for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites is intended both as a practical tool for the diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections for laboratory and field workers and as a teaching aid for students and trainees. The plates are arranged on two sides: the recto with microphotographs for the identification of eggs larvae trophozoites cysts and oocysts occurring in faeces and the verso dedicated to the different copromicroscopical methods (procedures) and main staining techniques used in parasitology. Special attention has been devoted to all graphical and pictorial contents. The decision to include the outline of an Ascaris lumbricoides egg in its relative size next to each parasitic structure fulfils the intention of visualizing the actual dimensions that the eye needs to be looking for when examining the specimens with a microscope. For each image the size of the parasite and a short description are provided to assist in the microscopical identification. Two summary plates one for helminths and the other for protozoa are also included to provide a visual overview of the different presentations of parasitic elements. The bench aids have been produced in a weatherproof plastic-sealed format that is robust and easy to use at the bench. They are recommended for use by all health workers engaged in the routine diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections.


Book Synopsis Bench aids for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites by : World Health Organization

Download or read book Bench aids for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites written by World Health Organization and published by World Health Organization. This book was released on 2019-09-02 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This second edition of Bench aids for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites is intended both as a practical tool for the diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections for laboratory and field workers and as a teaching aid for students and trainees. The plates are arranged on two sides: the recto with microphotographs for the identification of eggs larvae trophozoites cysts and oocysts occurring in faeces and the verso dedicated to the different copromicroscopical methods (procedures) and main staining techniques used in parasitology. Special attention has been devoted to all graphical and pictorial contents. The decision to include the outline of an Ascaris lumbricoides egg in its relative size next to each parasitic structure fulfils the intention of visualizing the actual dimensions that the eye needs to be looking for when examining the specimens with a microscope. For each image the size of the parasite and a short description are provided to assist in the microscopical identification. Two summary plates one for helminths and the other for protozoa are also included to provide a visual overview of the different presentations of parasitic elements. The bench aids have been produced in a weatherproof plastic-sealed format that is robust and easy to use at the bench. They are recommended for use by all health workers engaged in the routine diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections.


Working to Overcome the Global Impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases

Working to Overcome the Global Impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases

Author: World Health Organization. Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases

Publisher: World Health Organization

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13: 9241564091

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"Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) blight the lives of a billion people worldwide and threaten the health of millions more. These ancient companions of poverty weaken impoverished populations, frustrate the achievement of health in the Millennium Development Goals and impede global health and economies has convinced governments, donors, the pharmaceutical industry and other agencies, including nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), to invest in preventing and controlling this diverse group of diseases. Global efforts to control "hidden" diseases, such as dracunculiasis (guinea-worm disease), leprosy, gains including the imminent eradication of dracunculiasis. Since 1989 (when most endemic countries began reporting monthly from each endemic village), the number of new dracunculiasis cases has fallen from 892 055 in 12 endemic countries to 3190 in 4 countries in 2009, a decrease of more than 99%. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends five public-health strategies for the prevention and control of NTDs: preventive chemotherapy; intensified case-management; vector control; the provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene; and veterinary public health (that is, applying veterinary sciences to ensure the health and well-being of humans). Although one approach and delivered locally." - p. vii


Book Synopsis Working to Overcome the Global Impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases by : World Health Organization. Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases

Download or read book Working to Overcome the Global Impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases written by World Health Organization. Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and published by World Health Organization. This book was released on 2010 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) blight the lives of a billion people worldwide and threaten the health of millions more. These ancient companions of poverty weaken impoverished populations, frustrate the achievement of health in the Millennium Development Goals and impede global health and economies has convinced governments, donors, the pharmaceutical industry and other agencies, including nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), to invest in preventing and controlling this diverse group of diseases. Global efforts to control "hidden" diseases, such as dracunculiasis (guinea-worm disease), leprosy, gains including the imminent eradication of dracunculiasis. Since 1989 (when most endemic countries began reporting monthly from each endemic village), the number of new dracunculiasis cases has fallen from 892 055 in 12 endemic countries to 3190 in 4 countries in 2009, a decrease of more than 99%. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends five public-health strategies for the prevention and control of NTDs: preventive chemotherapy; intensified case-management; vector control; the provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene; and veterinary public health (that is, applying veterinary sciences to ensure the health and well-being of humans). Although one approach and delivered locally." - p. vii


Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality

Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality

Author: World Health Organization

Publisher: World Health Organization

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 9789241545037

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This volume describes the methods used in the surveillance of drinking water quality in the light of the special problems of small-community supplies, particularly in developing countries, and outlines the strategies necessary to ensure that surveillance is effective.


Book Synopsis Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality by : World Health Organization

Download or read book Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality written by World Health Organization and published by World Health Organization. This book was released on 1993 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume describes the methods used in the surveillance of drinking water quality in the light of the special problems of small-community supplies, particularly in developing countries, and outlines the strategies necessary to ensure that surveillance is effective.


Soil pollution: a hidden reality

Soil pollution: a hidden reality

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2018-04-30

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13: 9251305056

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This document presents key messages and the state-of-the-art of soil pollution, its implications on food safety and human health. It aims to set the basis for further discussion during the forthcoming Global Symposium on Soil Pollution (GSOP18), to be held at FAO HQ from May 2nd to 4th 2018. The publication has been reviewed by the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soil (ITPS) and contributing authors. It addresses scientific evidences on soil pollution and highlights the need to assess the extent of soil pollution globally in order to achieve food safety and sustainable development. This is linked to FAO’s strategic objectives, especially SO1, SO2, SO4 and SO5 because of the crucial role of soils to ensure effective nutrient cycling to produce nutritious and safe food, reduce atmospheric CO2 and N2O concentrations and thus mitigate climate change, develop sustainable soil management practices that enhance agricultural resilience to extreme climate events by reducing soil degradation processes. This document will be a reference material for those interested in learning more about sources and effects of soil pollution.


Book Synopsis Soil pollution: a hidden reality by : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Download or read book Soil pollution: a hidden reality written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2018-04-30 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This document presents key messages and the state-of-the-art of soil pollution, its implications on food safety and human health. It aims to set the basis for further discussion during the forthcoming Global Symposium on Soil Pollution (GSOP18), to be held at FAO HQ from May 2nd to 4th 2018. The publication has been reviewed by the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soil (ITPS) and contributing authors. It addresses scientific evidences on soil pollution and highlights the need to assess the extent of soil pollution globally in order to achieve food safety and sustainable development. This is linked to FAO’s strategic objectives, especially SO1, SO2, SO4 and SO5 because of the crucial role of soils to ensure effective nutrient cycling to produce nutritious and safe food, reduce atmospheric CO2 and N2O concentrations and thus mitigate climate change, develop sustainable soil management practices that enhance agricultural resilience to extreme climate events by reducing soil degradation processes. This document will be a reference material for those interested in learning more about sources and effects of soil pollution.


The Surgical Management of Parasitic Diseases

The Surgical Management of Parasitic Diseases

Author: George Tsoulfas

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-07-23

Total Pages: 366

ISBN-13: 303047948X

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​This book is designed to present a comprehensive and state-of the-art approach to the diagnosis and surgical management of parasitic diseases involving different organ systems, with emphasis on the gastrointestinal tract. It is divided into five parts that address the various etiologies, current diagnostic dilemmas and methods, as well as the key principles involved in their surgical management. The introduction presents the overall epidemiology and classification of parasitic diseases, followed by chapters that focus on different types of the most frequently encountered parasitic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract found in different parts of the world, with special attention given to the existing surgical debates regarding the use of minimally invasive procedures. The next part places special emphasis on hydatid disease by describing the current extent of this disease, changes in its management, and the most frequent complications and tips on how to avoid them. The following part discusses the surgical management of parasitic diseases affecting different organ systems, including the heart, the lungs, the brain and the urinary system. The final part presents the surgical dilemmas encountered in special situations, such as pregnancy, and the pediatric patient. The Surgical Management of Parasitic Diseases is an important and authoritative resource to surgeons of all specialties dealing with parasitic diseases


Book Synopsis The Surgical Management of Parasitic Diseases by : George Tsoulfas

Download or read book The Surgical Management of Parasitic Diseases written by George Tsoulfas and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-07-23 with total page 366 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ​This book is designed to present a comprehensive and state-of the-art approach to the diagnosis and surgical management of parasitic diseases involving different organ systems, with emphasis on the gastrointestinal tract. It is divided into five parts that address the various etiologies, current diagnostic dilemmas and methods, as well as the key principles involved in their surgical management. The introduction presents the overall epidemiology and classification of parasitic diseases, followed by chapters that focus on different types of the most frequently encountered parasitic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract found in different parts of the world, with special attention given to the existing surgical debates regarding the use of minimally invasive procedures. The next part places special emphasis on hydatid disease by describing the current extent of this disease, changes in its management, and the most frequent complications and tips on how to avoid them. The following part discusses the surgical management of parasitic diseases affecting different organ systems, including the heart, the lungs, the brain and the urinary system. The final part presents the surgical dilemmas encountered in special situations, such as pregnancy, and the pediatric patient. The Surgical Management of Parasitic Diseases is an important and authoritative resource to surgeons of all specialties dealing with parasitic diseases


Environmental Aspects of Zoonotic Diseases

Environmental Aspects of Zoonotic Diseases

Author: Robert Armon

Publisher: IWA Publishing

Published: 2012-01-31

Total Pages: 517

ISBN-13: 184339085X

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Environmental Aspects of Zoonotic Diseases provides a definitive description, commentary and research needs of environmental aspects related to zoonotic diseases. There are many interrelated connections between the environment and zoonotic diseases such as: water, soil, air and agriculture. The book presents investigations of these connections, with specific reference to environmental processes such as: deforestation, floods, draughts, irrigation practices, soil transfer and their impact on bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitological spread. Environmental aspects such as climate (tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, arid and semi-arid), developed and undeveloped countries, animal (domestic and wild) traffic animal border crossing, commercial animal trade, transportation, as well geography and weather on zoonosis, are also discussed and relevant scientific data is condensed and organized in order to give a better picture of interrelationship between the environment and current spread of zoonotic diseases. Altogether, the book presents a remarkable and a vast amount of potential future research directions based on the link: environment-vectors-pathogens-humans. The most up-to-date source of information on this increasingly important cross-disciplinary subject, Environmental Aspects of Zoonotic Diseases will be invaluable for environmentalists, veterinarians, medical staff, environmental engineers, government agencies and consultants working in this field. Authors: Prof. Robert Armon, Technion (Israel Institute of Technology), Haifa, Israel, Dr. Uta Cheruti, Technion (Israel Institute of Technology), Haifa, Israel


Book Synopsis Environmental Aspects of Zoonotic Diseases by : Robert Armon

Download or read book Environmental Aspects of Zoonotic Diseases written by Robert Armon and published by IWA Publishing. This book was released on 2012-01-31 with total page 517 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Environmental Aspects of Zoonotic Diseases provides a definitive description, commentary and research needs of environmental aspects related to zoonotic diseases. There are many interrelated connections between the environment and zoonotic diseases such as: water, soil, air and agriculture. The book presents investigations of these connections, with specific reference to environmental processes such as: deforestation, floods, draughts, irrigation practices, soil transfer and their impact on bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitological spread. Environmental aspects such as climate (tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, arid and semi-arid), developed and undeveloped countries, animal (domestic and wild) traffic animal border crossing, commercial animal trade, transportation, as well geography and weather on zoonosis, are also discussed and relevant scientific data is condensed and organized in order to give a better picture of interrelationship between the environment and current spread of zoonotic diseases. Altogether, the book presents a remarkable and a vast amount of potential future research directions based on the link: environment-vectors-pathogens-humans. The most up-to-date source of information on this increasingly important cross-disciplinary subject, Environmental Aspects of Zoonotic Diseases will be invaluable for environmentalists, veterinarians, medical staff, environmental engineers, government agencies and consultants working in this field. Authors: Prof. Robert Armon, Technion (Israel Institute of Technology), Haifa, Israel, Dr. Uta Cheruti, Technion (Israel Institute of Technology), Haifa, Israel


Innovation in Pharmacy: Advances and Perspectives. September 2018

Innovation in Pharmacy: Advances and Perspectives. September 2018

Author: Organizer Committee IPAP18 – Salamanca

Publisher: Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca

Published: 2018-09-21

Total Pages: 358

ISBN-13: 8490129762

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This book contains the summaries of the "Innovation in Pharmacy: Advances and Perspectives" that took place in Salamanca (Spain) in September 2018. The early science of chemistry and microbiology were the source of most drugs until the revolution of genetic engineering in the mid 1970s. Then biotechnology made available novel protein agents such as interferons, blood factors and monoclonal antibodies that have changed the modern pharmacy. Over the past year, a new pharmacy of oligonucleotides has emerged from the science of gene expression such as RNA splicing and RNA interference. The ability to design therapeutic agents from genomic sequences will transform treatment for many diseases. The science that created this advance and its future promise will be discussed. Phillip Allen Sharp is an American geneticist and molecular biologist who co-discovered RNA splicing. He shared the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Richard J. Roberts for “the discovery that genes in eukaryotes are not contiguous strings but contain introns, and that the splicing of messenger RNA to delete those introns can occur in different ways, yielding different proteins from the same DNA sequence. He works in Institute Professor Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, US. Este libro recoge los resúmenes de la «Innovation in Pharmacy: Advances and Perspectives» que tuvo lugar en Salamanca (España) en septiembre de 2018. La ciencia primitiva de la química y la microbiología fue la fuente de la mayoría de las drogas hasta la revolución de la ingeniería genética a mediados de la década de 1970. Luego, la biotecnología puso a disposición agentes proteínicos novedosos como interferones, factores sanguíneos y anticuerpos monoclonales que han cambiado la farmacia moderna. Durante el año pasado, surgió una nueva farmacia de oligonucleótidos a partir de la ciencia de la expresión génica, como el empalme de ARN y la interferencia de ARN. La capacidad de diseñar agentes terapéuticos a partir de secuencias genómicas transformará el tratamiento de muchas enfermedades. La ciencia que creó este avance y su promesa futura será discutida. Phillip Allen Sharp es un genetista y biólogo molecular estadounidense que co-descubrió el empalme de ARN. Compartió el Premio Nobel de 1993 en Fisiología o Medicina con Richard J. Roberts por "el descubrimiento de que los genes en eucariotas no son cadenas contiguas, sino que contienen intrones, y que el empalme del ARN mensajero para eliminar esos intrones puede ocurrir de diferentes maneras, produciendo diferentes proteínas de la misma secuencia de ADN. Trabaja en el Instituto Profesor Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Instituto Tecnológico de Massachusetts (MIT), Cambridge, MA, EE. UU.


Book Synopsis Innovation in Pharmacy: Advances and Perspectives. September 2018 by : Organizer Committee IPAP18 – Salamanca

Download or read book Innovation in Pharmacy: Advances and Perspectives. September 2018 written by Organizer Committee IPAP18 – Salamanca and published by Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca. This book was released on 2018-09-21 with total page 358 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book contains the summaries of the "Innovation in Pharmacy: Advances and Perspectives" that took place in Salamanca (Spain) in September 2018. The early science of chemistry and microbiology were the source of most drugs until the revolution of genetic engineering in the mid 1970s. Then biotechnology made available novel protein agents such as interferons, blood factors and monoclonal antibodies that have changed the modern pharmacy. Over the past year, a new pharmacy of oligonucleotides has emerged from the science of gene expression such as RNA splicing and RNA interference. The ability to design therapeutic agents from genomic sequences will transform treatment for many diseases. The science that created this advance and its future promise will be discussed. Phillip Allen Sharp is an American geneticist and molecular biologist who co-discovered RNA splicing. He shared the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Richard J. Roberts for “the discovery that genes in eukaryotes are not contiguous strings but contain introns, and that the splicing of messenger RNA to delete those introns can occur in different ways, yielding different proteins from the same DNA sequence. He works in Institute Professor Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, US. Este libro recoge los resúmenes de la «Innovation in Pharmacy: Advances and Perspectives» que tuvo lugar en Salamanca (España) en septiembre de 2018. La ciencia primitiva de la química y la microbiología fue la fuente de la mayoría de las drogas hasta la revolución de la ingeniería genética a mediados de la década de 1970. Luego, la biotecnología puso a disposición agentes proteínicos novedosos como interferones, factores sanguíneos y anticuerpos monoclonales que han cambiado la farmacia moderna. Durante el año pasado, surgió una nueva farmacia de oligonucleótidos a partir de la ciencia de la expresión génica, como el empalme de ARN y la interferencia de ARN. La capacidad de diseñar agentes terapéuticos a partir de secuencias genómicas transformará el tratamiento de muchas enfermedades. La ciencia que creó este avance y su promesa futura será discutida. Phillip Allen Sharp es un genetista y biólogo molecular estadounidense que co-descubrió el empalme de ARN. Compartió el Premio Nobel de 1993 en Fisiología o Medicina con Richard J. Roberts por "el descubrimiento de que los genes en eucariotas no son cadenas contiguas, sino que contienen intrones, y que el empalme del ARN mensajero para eliminar esos intrones puede ocurrir de diferentes maneras, produciendo diferentes proteínas de la misma secuencia de ADN. Trabaja en el Instituto Profesor Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Instituto Tecnológico de Massachusetts (MIT), Cambridge, MA, EE. UU.