Wyeth announced that Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, is the newest recipient of the Wyeth Vaccines Young Investigator Award in Vaccine Development. The grant, worth $60,000 over two years, is sponsored by Wyeth and was presented by the Infectious Disease Society of America.

Dr Iwasaki is an assistant professor in the Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, at Yale University. She received her PhD in immunology from the University of Toronto.

Dr Iwasaki is interested in understanding how immune responses are induced by antigen-presenting cells, particularly by the dendritic cells. Her laboratory is involved in investigating the role of dendritic cells in the female genital tract, specifically the interaction of vaginal dendritic cells and herpes simplex virus (HSV) and how this interaction results in the generation of specific immunity against herpes.

Dr Iwasaki's laboratory developed an experimental approach to study the precise events involved in infection and immune response of HSV in a mouse model. The process may provide insights into better ways to treat or prevent HSV infections.

"Our experimental approach should allow us to study HSV infection from the initial viral entry to the generation of subsequent immune system reactions," said Dr Iwasaki. "By better understanding the mechanisms of HSV and the body's reaction to the virus, we may be able to devise better treatment options, possibly even effective vaccines or antiviral microbicides."

"Advancements in medicine and medical treatments are the products of research. Without research, science stands still," said Geno Germano, executive vice president and general manager of Wyeth Vaccines. "That is why we are so proud to be able to sponsor this award to help recognize and reward young researchers. Dr Iwasaki is doing great work. We are eager to see what else she will have to teach us in the future."

Wyeth is one of the world's largest research-driven pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products and non-prescription medicines that improve the quality of life for people worldwide. The Company's major divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and Fort Dodge Animal Health.