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Scientists Find Lead in Bird Flu Vaccine

Antibodies from survivors have been effective in curing infected mice

By J. Kelman,  Newser User

Posted May 29, 2007 12:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – In the first break in the deadly bird flu epidemic, an international team of researchers using antibodies from survivors of the Vietnamese strain of the disease were able to prevent it from developing in mice, and to neutralize those already infected.

Researchers were particularly pleased that the treatment was effective if administered up to 72 hours after infection.  While there's no guarantee it will work as a human vaccine, "Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the broad neutralising activity of these antibodies in the lab and the moderate doses required,"  said the Swiss scientist whose lab isolated the antibodies.

Health officials wearing protective suits, slaughter suspected...
Health officials wearing protective suits, slaughter suspected...   (Getty Images)
TO GO WITH STORY HEALTH-FLU-TAIWAN-VACCINE Researchers hold...
TO GO WITH STORY "HEALTH-FLU-TAIWAN-VACCINE" Researchers hold...   (Getty Images)
An Egyptian worker cleans a chicken farm near Jamasa city, 170...
An Egyptian worker cleans a chicken farm near Jamasa city, 170...   (Getty Images)
An Indonesia man puts chickens on his bike at a market in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, May 23, 2007. A 5-year-old Indonesian girl died from bird flu, the Health Ministry said Wednesday, raising the death toll from the disease to 77, more than any other country. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
An Indonesia man puts chickens on his bike at a market in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, May 23, 2007. A 5-year-old Indonesian girl died from bird flu, the Health Ministry said Wednesday, raising the...   (Associated Press)
In this picture taken 22 May 2007, a Pakistani poultry worker...
In this picture taken 22 May 2007, a Pakistani poultry worker...   (Getty Images)
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