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Researchers start trial of 'world's best' flu jab
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<!-- END Story Header Block --><!-- // .article-tools -->By Anna Vlach
August 21, 2007 11:32am
<!-- Article body -->RESEARCHERS in Adelaide have developed a vaccine they believe could be the world's best defence against an influenza or bird flu epidemic.
The Flinders Medical Centre's influenza vaccine which is in its early trial stage has been boosted by a natural sugar adjuvant.
Adjuvants amplify the immune system's response to the virus to increase the effectiveness of vaccines.
Leader of the research team Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology Professor Nikolai Petrovsky says the sugar-based adjuvant is safe.
"Our data already shows our adjuvant enhances the immune response against the common flu virus and we expect it to work equally well for an avian (bird) flu vaccine," he said.
Head of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Professor David Gordon said the addition of an adjuvant is critical for providing protection and conserving vaccine supplies in the event of a pandemic.
"Traditional vaccines can cause pain for a few days, but another major advantage of our vaccine is that many people have experienced no pain from the injection," he said.
The team is looking to test the vaccine on healthy people aged between 18-70 years who have not received a flu vaccine this year.
To take part in the study, or for further information, contact Professor Gordon on (08) 8204 4720. :tiphat: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,22281686-911,00.html
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<!-- END Story Header Block --><!-- // .article-tools -->By Anna Vlach
August 21, 2007 11:32am
<!-- Article body -->RESEARCHERS in Adelaide have developed a vaccine they believe could be the world's best defence against an influenza or bird flu epidemic.
The Flinders Medical Centre's influenza vaccine which is in its early trial stage has been boosted by a natural sugar adjuvant.
Adjuvants amplify the immune system's response to the virus to increase the effectiveness of vaccines.
Leader of the research team Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology Professor Nikolai Petrovsky says the sugar-based adjuvant is safe.
"Our data already shows our adjuvant enhances the immune response against the common flu virus and we expect it to work equally well for an avian (bird) flu vaccine," he said.
Head of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Professor David Gordon said the addition of an adjuvant is critical for providing protection and conserving vaccine supplies in the event of a pandemic.
"Traditional vaccines can cause pain for a few days, but another major advantage of our vaccine is that many people have experienced no pain from the injection," he said.
The team is looking to test the vaccine on healthy people aged between 18-70 years who have not received a flu vaccine this year.
To take part in the study, or for further information, contact Professor Gordon on (08) 8204 4720. :tiphat: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,22281686-911,00.html
