Australia encouraged by successful vaccine trials
July 2nd, 2006
Bird flu vaccines are being tested around the world, but the latest news comes from Down Under. An Australian vaccine has shown positive results in its preliminary testing and scientists are now moving into the human trials stage. They are seeking for 150 adults to volunteer for a study which will further analyze the effectiveness of the drug.
The vaccine, developed from a strain of the virus found in a Vietnamese avian flu victim, is said to have little side effects. If the Australian product proves reliable and safe, it will then be mass produced, to supply the stocks needed in the event of a bird flu pandemic. Australia is the only country in the Southern hemisphere to look into the matter and the government has understood the importance of such research, by funding the project and the development of the vaccine by the pharmaceutical company CSL.