Biologics Regulation and ResearchThe People and Work of Buildings 29 & 29A

In April 1985, FDA approved the first vaccine to prevent the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children, Hemophilus influenzae type b. This pathogen was responsible for 12,000 cases of meningitis among U. S. children each year, of whom 600 died.  Many survivors still suffered problems, including blood infections and long-term neurological damage. FDA licensed a new vaccine, Hemophilus b conjugate (Diphtheria toxoid-conjugate), December 1987, for use in young children. This vaccine induced antibodies against the Hemophilus pathogen more effectively than the previously licensed Hemophilus b. polysaccharide vaccine. OBRR scientists had designed the conjugate technology for Hemophilus polysaccharide. The new vaccine was recommended for children 18 months to 5 years. A second Hemophilus b. conjugate vaccine (Diphtheria CRM [197] Protein Conjugate) was licensed in 1988, and a third conjugate vaccine received a license the following year. Dr. Robbins and Dr. Schneerson developed the polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine for Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

Dr. Robbins was the recipient of numerous awards during his long career (he was still actively working in his 70s), including the prestigious Lasker Award Winner in 1996 for the vaccine for preventing meningitis in children. As mentioned previously, together with his colleague, Dr. Rachel Schneerson, they developed the polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine for Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), which can cause meningitis in children. The Lasker Award is bestowed annually to those who have made major contributions to medical science.