seventeen cents by end of october, page-13

re: tide can only be held for a short while POULTRY AVIAN
INFLUENZA VACCINESIntroductionImugene recently achieved a significant milestone in the Avian Influenza project with the successful completion of laboratory development of the two avian influenza (H5N1 strain Bird Flu) vaccine candidates. These vaccine candidates are now ready for challenge trials in chickens to confirm efficacy in protecting chickens from avian influenza. Imugene began work in early 2004 on the development of influenza vaccines for chickens using its patented fowl adenovirus (FAV) platform. This was in response to the threat to both poultry and human health from the severe H5N1 strain of the virus that causes “Bird Flu”.Following a period of ineffectual contract research, Imugene earlier this year began developing the Bird Flu vaccine projects at its own facilities. This work expanded the original contract research to focus on developing two Bird Flu vaccine candidates. One vaccine for the broiler bird market and the other for the broiler breeder & egg layer markets. These vaccines require different characteristics to suit each type of bird. Both vaccines utilised synthetic genetic material sourced and produced in Europe.The two vaccine candidates differ as the commercial requirements for broilers and breeders or layers vary. The primary aim for a commercial Bird Flu vaccine for broilers is to provide immunity early in a bird’s life but the protection need only be short term as broiler birds typically reach market weight by 42-49 days of age. Layer birds and birds used for breeding stock for the broiler market require longer lasting immunity. The vaccine designed for layers and breeders uses two antigens (rather than the single antigen used in the broiler vaccine) to elicit both antibody and cell mediated immunity.The trial vaccines utilise Imugene’s proven Adenoviral Delivery Vector technology to deliver the necessary genetic material to stimulate the birds’ immune system to protect against infection with the Bird Flu virus. The vaccine candidates have now been thoroughly verified by a series of in-house and external in-vitro tests and are proven to be correctly constructed. A pilot trial to test both candidates in a Bird Flu challenge trial using poultry has been designed and negotiations are underway to secure a trial facility and starting date.Background to the Avian Influenza DiseaseThe highly pathogenic (H5N1) form of the avian influenza virus remains a major threat to the global chicken industry. As has been evidenced in recent outbreaks, regions of the world have been forced to cull millions of birds, human consumption has reduced and trade restrictions imposed. Avian influenza is also a major human food safety and health issue. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 200 million poultry have died or been culled since the end of 2003 as a result of influenza outbreaks. The largest declines have happened in Vietnam and Thailand, with the numbers there equal 15 to 20% of the stock of poultry. The World Bank has reported that in Romania, which has suffered more than 100 outbreaks, domestic poultry sales fell by 80%, with the obvious financial pressure being born by producers.As of October 2006, the W.H.O. confirmed human avian influenza infection in 252 people with 148 deaths. Concern remains of the potential for further spread among humans and a pandemic infection. In dense human populations, where domestic pigs and wild and domestic birds live in close proximity with people, the mingling and exchange of human and animal viruses and the viral RNA can occur more easily.