Avian Flu Pandemic

Medicago reports positive, phase 2 final study results for Avian flu vaccine

Medicago (TSE:MDG) announced Thursday that the second part of its phase two clinical study  for its H5N1 Avian flu vaccine found strong final results.

The company said the part B study confirmed the robust immune response that was originally observed in the part A study, as induced by the H5N1 vaccine, which is manufactured in Nicotiana benthamiana, a relative of the tobacco plant. The study also confirmed safety and tolerability, as well as the efficacy of the optimal 20 ug dosage.

The trial immunized 120 patients with Medicago's H5N1 vaccine. Subjects were administered two doses, 21 days apart, then evaluated 21 days after the final dose.

In the 18 to 49 age group, 77% of subjects developed an immune response against the H5N1 virus after the second dose. Medicago's H5N1 vaccine is based on the biotech company's proprietary virus-like particles (VLP) technology. The VLPs are designed to resemble a virus, initiating the body's immune response.

However, they are unable to duplicate and only require a genetic sequence, not the live virus itself. This allows vaccine production time to be condensed to a few weeks after a pandemic is declared, from up to nine months.

"These positive Phase II clinical trial results continue to demonstrate that our rapid plant-based vaccine technology produces VLP vaccines that are safe and among the most effective of the industry," said president and CEO, Andy Sheldon.

"Our results demonstrated similar efficacy in the older and younger volunteer age groups which is a potential differential advantage over other technologies."

Medicago, whose U.S. vaccine facility in North Carolina will be operational this fall, said the phase II study results support the effectiveness of its plant-based and VLP vaccine platforms.

Based in Quebec, Medicago said it expects its seasonal flu vaccine to enter clinical trials in the second half of the year.

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saendy: The Coming Bird Flu Pandemic -- More Than Just A Movie

The Coming Bird Flu Pandemic -- More Than Just A Movie

Reactions to the ABC movie "Fatal Contact/ Bird Flu in America" will vary from the naysayer that believes that such a thing could never happen -- all the way to the folks who go out and dig up the old bomb shelter. The website "PlanForFlu. com offers practical suggestions for the rest of us, families that want to have a plan in place to help them deal with this as well as similar emergencies. The most complete lists along with offering essential products make this a site that you will visit often.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) May 10, 2006

Reactions to the ABC movie "Fatal Contact/ Bird Flu in America" will vary from the naysayer that believes that such a thing could never happen -- all the way to the folks who go out and dig up the old bomb shelter. The website "PlanForFlu. com offers practical suggestions for the rest of us, families that want to have a plan in place to help them deal with this as well as similar emergencies. The most complete lists along with offering essential products make this a site that you will visit often.

PlanForFlu. com has practical answers for many of the more overwhelming avian flu questions like, “What if the water treatment facilities fail during an Avian Flu pandemic?” We know that the water treatment plants need electricity, and they need humans to run them. PlanForFlu. com offers a product (used by the U. S, Military in Iraq and Afghanistan) that will actually purify almost any source of water and make it safe to drink. You can easily and safely make drinkable the water in a swimming pool, lake, or from the pond on a nearby golf course! In a world where bioterrorists could interrupt our water supply, or we could have another natural disaster the magnitude of Hurricane Katrina, it is irresponsible for every household not to own this inexpensive ($129.95 with free shipping) device.

Having a good home and family disaster plan in place can alleviate mush of the fear and anxiety.

The professionals at Plan For Flu have combined their knowledge of science, medicine, survivalism, and then tested the best products and supplies. What they have created is a very comprehensive website giving ordinary families the information necessary to plan for (and survive) a widespread bird flu pandemic.

Obviously, during a pandemic of nationwide and worldwide proportions, no government would have the capability of protecting every citizen. In prior pandemics, those who survived were those who did not panic, and those who did not sit back and expect someone else to take care of them. They used their heads, prepared as best they could and limited their risk of exposure. It is only common sense.

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