Human Bird Flu Vaccine Production May Start In Russia In 2007

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Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 13 Oct 2006 - 10:00 PDT

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After completing trials, a human bird flu vaccine to combat H5N1 may be manufactured as early as next spring, according to scientists at the Microgen Center, Russia.

Anton Katlinsky, CEO, The Microgen Center, said "Completing the full cycle of trials will take several months. Next spring, Russia will have a technologically tested pilot vaccine, whose commercial production could be launched any time."

According to Anton Katlinsky, phase 1 was completed successfully earlier on this year. 240 healthy volunteers, aged 18-50 were given two different shots. The OrniFlu vaccine (one of the two) gave better results.

Katlinsky stressed that their scientists had developed proper vaccine manufacturing techniques. He added that production could start within eight weeks of completion of trials.

The vaccine is planned for people who are considered as high-risk for bird flu infection, such as veterinarians, poultry farm workers and hunters.

The Microgen Center (in Russian)

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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