In response to the avian influenza outbreak scientists try to increase vaccine effectiveness of auxiliary

According to the science and technology daily, February 20, 2006: in order to prepare large outbreaks of avian influenza, biologists have turned to the so-called auxiliary agent development.　　This is a way to add to the traditional vaccines, to increase the effectiveness of the vaccine. Auxiliary agent make a small amount of vaccine produced a strong effect, they let the immune system to focus on the effectiveness of a fire protection materials — Antigen. Some auxiliary agent even increases the immune, immune time extension. Scientists are still not clear how the auxiliary agent to do this, but they know, auxiliary agents might dilute the vaccine does not reduce its effectiveness.

Since 1925, auxiliary agents found vaccine, auxiliary agent mechanism has been puzzling. It sometimes produce utility, sometimes dangerous results. At present, in order to prevent the H5N1 virus and three other avian influenza viruses, scientists plan 2006 19 flu vaccination in clinical trials, including 17 vaccine contains auxiliary agents.

Many auxiliary agent simulation known part of viruses and bacteria, to trigger the complex process of several important stages. In the process, the immune system fight off the invading microbes, and then store the information, the same microorganism invasion and then appears, you can make them produce more speedy and defense. Known to have an auxiliary agent belongs to the low-skilled, are a family of easy soluble aluminum salts, are collectively referred to as alum, vaccine Antigen obviously attached to the aluminium salts.

In 1999, Chiron Corporation found that a pilot fight avian flu vaccine add shark oil auxiliary agent MF59, in doses as low as 7.5 mg, twice-injecting, provide preventive effect. In December 2005, France a vaccine manufacturer announced that its experimental vaccine against the H5N1 virus contains alum auxiliary agents, the use effect is good.

The current problem is that adding auxiliary agent of MF59 vaccine has not been approved by u.s. official. If approved, patented by MF59, will make each vaccination costs.

By contrast, the cost of alum auxiliary agent cheaper is not patented, and was United States food and Drug Administration approval. Two years ago, Germany researchers test a vaccine containing aluminum sulfate, the influenza virus is killed. In the low-dose 1.9 mg, the vaccine can be 80% percent of the people.