In a groundbreaking development, scientists have created an experimental mRNA vaccine that has proven to be highly effective in preventing severe illness and death in lab animals against the H5N1 avian flu. This virus has been spreading among wild birds, poultry, and cows in the United States, posing a significant threat to human populations. The vaccine was developed using the same techniques as those that produced COVID vaccines and allows for rapid production within hours of sequencing a new viral strain with pandemic potential.
The H5N1 bird flu outbreaks are spreading rapidly among wild birds, poultry, and cows in the United States. Preventing these outbreaks is crucial to preventing the H5N1 flu from jumping into humans. The mRNA technology used in this vaccine allows for agile development and production within hours of sequencing a new viral strain with pandemic potential.
During previous influenza pandemics, vaccines were difficult to manufacture and did not become available until after the initial pandemic waves subsided. Most flu vaccines are developed using eggs, which can take up to six months for viruses to be adapted to replicate in fertilized eggs, delaying production past the critical first few months of a pandemic.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is advancing plans to produce 4.8 million doses of H5N1 avian flu vaccine for pandemic preparedness. Two H5N1 candidate vaccine viruses are being assessed, with one well matched to the circulating strain.
Millions of fertilized hen eggs are used to make vaccines against flu strains, but this method has scientists concerned as it is an outdated method for a modern pandemic. Cell-based vaccines are better, more immunogenic and offer better production but face resistance from companies with billions invested in egg-based production lines. Without a financial incentive, the US will continue relying on eggs for flu vaccine production.
In summary, scientists have developed an experimental mRNA vaccine that is highly effective in preventing severe illness and death in lab animals against the H5N1 avian flu. The vaccine was created using the same techniques as those that produced COVID vaccines and allows for rapid production within hours of sequencing a new viral strain with pandemic potential. The H5N1 bird flu outbreaks are spreading rapidly among wild birds, poultry, and cows in the United States. Preventing these outbreaks is crucial to preventing the H5N1 flu from jumping into humans. The mRNA technology used in this vaccine allows for agile development and production within hours of sequencing a new viral strain with pandemic potential.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is advancing plans to produce 4.8 million doses of H5N1 avian flu vaccine for pandemic preparedness. Two H5N1 candidate vaccine viruses are being assessed, with one well matched to the circulating strain.
Millions of fertilized hen eggs are used to make vaccines against flu strains, but this method has scientists concerned as it is an outdated method for a modern pandemic. Cell-based vaccines are better, more immunogenic and offer better production but face resistance from companies with billions invested in egg-based production lines. Without a financial incentive, the US will continue relying on eggs for flu vaccine production.
