Context: A Centralized Laboratory Network is a system that connects and coordinates multiple laboratories under a central authority. It aims to improve efficiency, standardize procedures, and enhance collaboration among labs for better quality and resource management.
- India has recently become a member of the Centralized Laboratory Network (CLN).
- CLN presently encompasses 15 partner facilities across 13 countries dedicated to testing vaccines for potential use during pandemics and epidemic disease outbreaks.
- The CLN operates under the umbrella of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
- This network stands as the world’s largest collective with established testing methods and materials.
About the Centralized Laboratory Network (CLN)
- The CLN is a global network consisting of 15 partner facilities in 13 countries.
- It operates under the umbrella of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
- The CLN’s primary objective is to test vaccines that can be utilized during pandemics and epidemic disease outbreaks.
- It plays a crucial role in evaluating the safety, efficacy, and quality of potential vaccine candidates. By employing standardized methods and materials for testing, the network ensures consistency and reliability in the evaluation process.
- Furthermore, the CLN is actively involved in supporting the establishment of sustainable regional outbreak preparedness infrastructure.
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New members of the CLN
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) joins CLN.
- Institute Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) from Senegal is a new member.
- KAVI Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI ICR) and the University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID) from Kenya join CLN.
- Synexa Life Sciences from South Africa becomes a member.
- Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) from Uganda is also a new member.
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Objectives of the CEPI-funded network
- The CEPI-funded network aims to identify promising vaccine candidates rapidly and accurately.
- The network focuses on emerging infectious diseases.
- The goal is to support sustainable regional outbreak preparedness infrastructure.
CEPI-Funded Network Objectives
- The CEPI-funded network, which includes CLN, has the primary objective of identifying the most promising vaccine candidates rapidly and accurately against emerging infectious diseases.
- In addition to vaccine testing, the expanded network also aims to support the development of sustainable regional outbreak preparedness infrastructure.
- By working collaboratively and sharing standardized methods and materials, the network enhances global preparedness for potential disease outbreaks.
Expansion of the CLN
- The CLN (Collaborative Laboratory Network) now includes several additional members.
- These new members include the KAVI Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI ICR) and the University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID) from Kenya.
- Another member is Synexa Life Sciences, based in South Africa.
- This expansion strengthens the CLN’s global presence and augments its collective expertise.
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