GSK starts flu vaccine human trial

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has started work on human trials of vaccines against bird flu.

Two inoculations are being tested in case the H5N1 virus spread to humans and creates a pandemic.

A “classic” alum adjuvant vaccine is being tested on 400 Germans and a new adjuvant in 400 Belgians.

Speaking on the reason for human trials on two different drugs, the president of GSK biologicals, Jean Stephenne, said: “While the first vaccine candidate aims at mounting a strong defence against a pandemic outbreak, the second vaccine may offer governments a preferred option to proactively stockpile and begin vaccination before the onset of a pandemic, significantly increasing the speed of a public health response in the event of an outbreak.”

Though the H5N1 strain bird flu has only crossed to humans in a few cases amongst poultry workers, there are fears of a mutation that could lead to a global pandemic.

In the event of an outbreak, GSK will use special rules to push forward development and licensing of the drug if successful in the human trials.

One aim of the trials is to find a suitable dose and formulation for people who would be at risk of complications, such as children and the elderly.

Those taking part in the trials will receive two doses of the inactive strain of H5N1 over three weeks which should allow GSK to formulate the right dose to get approval from regulators.

© Adfero Ltd