Novavax creates vaccine for new avian flu strain

The H5N1 avian influenza virus is rapidly evolving into antigenically distinct clades, or families. H5N1 clade 1 flu viruses were identified in Vietnam in 2003; by last winter, a second clade was identified in Indonesia. US Department of Health and Human Services secretary Michael Leavitt has said that the emergence of clade 2, which is the strain that is spreading throughout Asia and parts of Europe, “dictates that we begin developing a second pre-pandemic vaccine.”

Mr Leavitt and other global public health experts maintain that due to H5N1’s rapidly mutating nature, multiple vaccines will be needed to protect against the many variations of the virus. The H5N1 vaccines currently in clinical trials by many manufacturers and being stockpiled around the world target only the clade 1 family of the virus.

Novavax’ new vaccine candidate uses the company’s virus-like particle (VLP) technology, which allows scientists to create a particle that is nearly identical to the virus but does not have the virus’ genetic material required for replication or infection. When inoculated into the body, these particles have the ability to attach to cells and trigger a natural immune response – sometimes from a single dose – that is capable of protecting against viral infection.

Preclinical testing of the H5N1 clade 2 vaccine has already been initiated and is likely to take several months, the company said.

Novavax has already seen successful results from preclinical studies of its other pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccines.