Dr Magiorkinis (34) specialises in the study of human viruses – in particular the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Fosamprenavir || Telzir || 2007 || Extension of indication of Telzir in combination with ritonavir for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) infected adults in combination with other antiretroviral medicinal products to include paediatric populations

Biotechnology already enables cheaper, safer and more ethical production of a growing number of traditional as well as new drugs and medical services (e.g. human growth hormone without risk of Creutzfeldt-Jacobs Disease, treatment for haemophiliacs with unlimited sources of coagulation factors free from AIDS and hepatitis C virus, human insulin, and vaccines against hepatitis B and rabies).

To this end manufacturers shall notify the competent authorities of the method used to reduce or eliminate pathogenic viruses liable to be transmitted by medicinal products derived from human blood or human plasma.

Directive 98/81/EC requires that contained use work (laboratory work) with GMMs (including virus and bacteria) should be carried out in such a way as to limit possible harmful effects on human health and the environment.

The research that has to be carried out is vital for solving the following problems : - Identification of the viral agent(s) which are causing the disease outbreaks - Prevalence of these viruses among other seal species - Origin of the viruses and mode of transmission - Danger for other species, including man, now and in the future - Triggering factors for the outbreaks : relationship with environmental pollution and ecological distrubances - Protection and management of wild seal populations. - Protection and management of seals in rehabilitation centres like the one in Pieterburen.