bendigo whoosh building

As part of the new research program, Dr Sheppard will

use the new synthetically synthesized gene to make

updated versions of the single gene (HA gene) broiler

vaccine at the La Trobe University laboratory. Recent

Publications on Avian Influenza support Imugene’s

research Recent publications in scientific journals in

which the HA antigen has been successfully inserted

into adenoviruses to create an effective vaccine

support the research approach Imugene has

undertaken. The vaccines in publications to date still

require at least two injections and take at least 21

days to provide immunity. This results in protection for

only half the average life of a broiler (meat producing)

bird. These parameters severely limit the commercial

viability of the vaccines to date. The adenoviruses

used have all been human strains or avian strains that

are classed as "replication defective" This means they

are unable to multiply in the birds and therefore require

higher doses. In contrast, the Imugene vaccine

candidates are based on Imugene’s patented avian

adenovirus that is replication competent (able to

multiply after administration). This methodology has the

following advantages: 1. Suitable for oral or in ovo (into

the egg) administration 2. Lower dose (often 1/1000th

of that required for replication defective vectors) 3.

Possibility of single dose 4. Allows differentiation of

vaccinated from infected birds


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Dr Sheppard is now also developing a vaccine for the

broiler poultry market using a different technique than

that being undertaken at CSIRO. This technique utilises


genes that were selected and synthesized in Europe.

These genes have now arrived in Australia and

construction of the vaccine candidates for testing is

progressing well.