Breakthrough vaccine for West Nile virus
Scientists are a step closer to a breakthrough vaccine for the potentially fatal West Nile Virus and say this gives a green light to developing a similar vaccine for Dengue Fever.
Scientists are a step closer to a breakthrough vaccine for the potentially fatal West Nile Virus and say this gives a green light to developing a similar vaccine for Dengue Fever.
Dr William Ardrey, chief executive of Brisbane-based biotechnology company Acuvax, said its American affiliate company, Hawaii Biotech, had posted "stunning" results in phase one trials of the West Nile Virus vaccine.
"Dengue is a major challenge for Australia and building on good results with this related programme helps us accelerate our Dengue programme," added Ardrey.
"Because they are related viruses, we hoped for good phase one trial results from the simpler West Nile Virus vaccine. We can roll straight into the Dengue program now. "
Twenty-four patients were involved in the West Nile Virus study, which checked safety and antibody development in healthy volunteers. None of those involved suffered any serious side effects.
The West Nile Virus vaccine will now be tested on children, the elderly and immuno-compromised patients. Dr Ardrey said if phase two and three trials produced similar results, the West Nile Virus vaccine could be commercially available "reasonably soon".
The West Nile Virus is spread by exposure to infected mosquitoes. In severe cases it is fatal, with sufferers developing encephalitis.