Avir Green Hills: Excellent Preclinical Data on Novel Type of Intranasal H5N1 Influenza Vaccine

23-Jun-2009 - Austria

Studies performed in three animal models confirmed the safety and intensive immunogenicity of a new type of intranasal H5N1 influenza vaccine, according to the latest preclinical study data announced by Avir Green Hills biotechnology. The study data was published in PloS One.

“The intranasal immunization with our vaccine has proven itself capable of generating a strong immune response against H5N1 viruses. The technology, with which we produce the vaccine, once again has proven itself an especially successful path for future vaccines,” reports Dr. Thomas Muster, founder, CEO and CSO of Avir Green Hills Biotechnology. In addition to the intensive immune response, the tests in the animal models also showed long sustainable protection against different varieties of the virus. “Our approach is an attractive alternative to conventional influenza vaccines. Clinical evaluations of our pandemic and seasonal vaccine candidates are already in progress.”

According to the company, the novel vaccine can produce an effective immune reaction against the most distinct varieties of influenza viruses – something only conditionally possible with conventional vaccines. This so-called cross-protection also enables the warding-off of distantly related and already mutated strains of influenza viruses.

Avir Green Hills has developed a novel technology: for the human organism the vaccine appears as a pathogenic flu virus. But it does not produce sickness because the NS1 gene responsible for the pathogenic properties of the virus is first extracted from the vaccine, resulting in the deltaFLU vaccine. Thus, after intranasal administration of the vaccine, a strong immune response is stimulated that provides effective protection against the flu. This method provides for the greatest safety and a good tolerance.

“With this wealth of innovation, the vaccines of Avir Green Hills have the potential to secure a substantial share of the vaccine market,” notes Reinhard Zickler, the company’s chief legal officer.

According to the company, the technology is also suitable for swine flu vaccine

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/102359/avir-green-hills-excellent-preclinical-data-on-novel-type-of-intranasal-h5n1-influenza-vaccine.html