The Japanese have developed a universal vaccine against influenza, including avian

[article out of Russia]

publication: 29 January 2009, 13:34

On Thursday, Japanese researchers reported that they have developed a vaccine against influenza, which can protect against different types of virus, and even prevent the deadly pandemic of avian influenza in the event of mutation.

As the AFP, the scientists successfully tested the vaccine on mice, which implanted human genes, said Tetsuya Uchida, a researcher from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.

- The more dangerous avian influenza (Help)

Current influenza vaccine rapidly lose their effectiveness, however, Japanese scientists claim that their vaccine will not become useless with time. While the vehicle suffered only a few types of influenza, including the virus H5N1, but the creators are confident that a vaccine would be effective against new types of avian influenza.

According to the World Health Organization, since 2003, from bird flu have died, about 250 people - mostly in Southeast Asia. WHO has warned that the deadly bird flu in the future capable mutate. If the virus begins to easily spread from person to person, it threatens millions of victims.

Uchida said that prior to the practical application of the new vaccine will take several years. Until then, it is necessary to confirm its safety in the course of further experiments with mice and other animals. Only then will try to develop people.

Vaccine Research conducted jointly by scientists from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, University of Hokkaido, Saitama University Faculty of Medicine and Chemical Corporation NOF. After the appearance of information on successful tests of NOF actions on the Tokyo Stock Exchange jumped to 20.79%.