First H5N1 vaccine completes clinical trials
The pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline has won the race to develop the first vaccine to specifically treat the H5N1 'avian' flu strain. The disease is common in birds, and has spread quickly with migrating flocks. It has been shown to be uncommon in humans, but with a mortality rate of more then 50 per cent in those affected. Because the strain produces high mortality and morbidity rates in birds, some fear that the strain could mutate, causing it to easily spread between humans. Comparisons with the deadly 'Spanish' flu of 1918 have been made, but the effects of H5N1 remain speculative. To date, 231 human cases have resulted in 133 deaths - a 57.6 per cent mortality rate. While alarmingly high, experts agree that such a high mortality rate would in fact impede the spread of the disease. However, governments are looking to mitigate any possible effects of a deadly flu outbreak, and an effective H5N1 vaccine will be an essential tool. The trails were conducted in Rixensart, Belgium, and initial results show that the vaccine is effective in very low doses - as little as 3.8 micrograms. The clinical trials show 'A significant breakthrough in the development of out pandemic flu vaccine', according to GlaxoSmithKline's CEO, JP Garnier. 'This validation of our approach provides us with the confidence to continue developing the vaccine, including assessment of its ability to offer cross-protection to variants of the H5N1 strain. All being well, we expect to make regulatory filings for the vaccine in the coming months.' The trails took 400 healthy adults, aged 18-60, gave them the vaccine, and then tested for immune responses. The vaccine was developed from an inactive form of H5N1, but with an added adjuvant - an ingredient which increases immune responses. Participants were tested for their immune responses to the vaccine through hemagglutination inhibition tests, from blood samples. 80 per cent of subjects were found to be protected with a 3.8 microgram dose - the lowest dose tested. While this is considered to be a good response rate, the vaccine has not yet been approved for use in any country, and the experiments do not take into account further mutations of the virus. //CPA For further information, please visit: http://www.gsk.com
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