Inside Britain's National Institute of Biological Standards and Control: Leading the Way in Medical Research

The National Institute of Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) is a leading research institute in the UK, tasked with developing vaccines and setting standards for biological medicines. Founded by Nobel laureate Henry Dale, the institute plays a crucial role in global health by testing vaccines and drugs. It also houses Europe's main stem cell bank, supporting research into treatments for various diseases. NIBSC's work ensures the quality and efficacy of medicines worldwide.

What is the primary focus of the NIBSC's current research efforts as mentioned in the first section?

• Creating a new type of insulin

• Developing a vaccine for the latest strain of bird flu

• Testing new antibiotics

• Studying the effects of climate change on viruses

Who was the founder of the NIBSC, and what was his contribution?

• Edward Jenner, who created the smallpox vaccine

• Louis Pasteur, who developed the rabies vaccine

• Henry Dale, who recognized the need for effective use of medicines like insulin

• Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin

What percentage of the world's biological medicines does the NIBSC set and control standards for?

• 90%

• 100%

• 70%

• 50%

What is one of the key areas of research at the NIBSC's stem cell bank?

• Developing new antibiotics

• Studying the effects of pollution on health

• Treating health problems like spinal trauma and diabetes

• Creating genetically modified crops

What does the NIBSC guarantee about the stem cell lines it distributes?

• They are exclusively for cancer research

• They are available only to private companies

• They are of good quality and properly sourced

• They are the most expensive on the market