New breakthrough in bird flu treatment
October 5th, 2006
Researchers working at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have announced the discovery of a new compound that could ensure added protection against flu viruses, including the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus so feared nowadays. A protein molecule was discovered that effectively prohibits the influenza virus from attaching to and entering the cells of the body that hosts it, removing its ability to multiply and infect a higher number of cells. This new breakthrough in the field could lead the way to a completely new and efficient class of antiviral drugs and vaccines to help stop a possible epidemic of the disease. The new substance was tested on cells in culture, was well as mice and was found to provide complete protection against influenza infections, as well as being very effective in treating the animals in the first stages of such a disease. According to the scientists, vaccination with the newly discovered peptide provided a 100% protection against a number of strains of flu viruses, including the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. On a market that is currently lacking highly effective antiviral drugs, and in the light of grim expectations that a pandemic of avian flu awaits us, this brings some hope to scientists worldwide.