Excellent Preclinical Data On Novel Type Of Intranasal H5N1 Influenza Vaccine
June 21, 2009 by fluoutbreak · Leave a Comment
Studies performed in three animal models confirmed the safety and intensive immunogenicity of a new type of intranasal H5N1 influenza vaccine, according to the latest preclinical study data announced today by the Vienna based firm, Avir Green Hills Biotechnology. The study data was just published in PloS One, the Public Library of Science. “The intranasal immunization with our vaccine has proven itself capable of generating a strong immune response against H5N1 viruses. The technology, with which we produce the vaccine, once again has proven itself an especially successful path for future vaccines,” reports Dr. Thomas Muster, founder, CEO and CSO of Avir Green Hills Biotechnology. In addition to the intensive immune response, the tests in the animal models also showed long sustainable protection against different varieties of the virus. “Our approach is an attractive alternative to conventional influenza vaccines. Clinical evaluations of our pandemic and seasonal vaccine candidates are already in progress.”
Innovative technology for production and application
The process developed by Avir Green Hills Biotechnology for the creation of a vaccine against different influenza strains has several unique features compared to conventional flu vaccines:
- The application as nasal spray instead of injection into the muscle has an advantage in that the immunization protection is stimulated directly at the virus’ portal of entry. The simple practicability of such a spray is enormously advantageous, particularly in the case of pandemics in which circumstances might necessitate the inoculation of numerous people simultaneously.
- The novel vaccine can produce an effective immune reaction against the most distinct varieties of influenza viruses – something only conditionally possible with conventional vaccines. This so-called cross-protection also enables the warding-off of distantly related and already mutated strains of influenza viruses.
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