Professor Yvonne Perrie, Chair in Drug Delivery at Aston University, Birmingham UK has won the prestigious Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Pharmaceutical Scientist of the Year Award for her contribution to developing a new tuberculosis vaccine.
Yvonne, who has worked at Aston University for 12 years, was presented with the award (supported by APS) at the ICC Birmingham UK on Sunday 9 September.
Yvonne's in-depth research highlighted the necessary mechanisms, delivery systems, and components needed to develop a TB vaccine that is both safe and effective. Her investigations, endeavour and commitment to patient safety have led to the development of a new TB vaccine which has now entered clinical trials.
Professor Jayne Lawrence, Chief Scientist at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society said: "The need for new and improved vaccines remains a key global healthcare challenge. We urgently need a new tuberculosis vaccine which is effective, safe, affordable and accessible to all. Yvonne's work could end up saving the lives of thousands of people every year. It is great to see pharmaceutical scientists being recognised for their fantastic achievements towards improving the lives of patients".
Yvonne said: "I am delighted to have won the RPS Pharmaceutical Scientist of the Year Award, it is a real honour and I am proud to have achieved a real step forward in the fight against TB, which is a growing health concern across the UK".