VaxInnate commences VAX161 Phase I trial in pandemic avian influenza

Although H5N1 is primarily an influenza virus of birds, it has been infecting humans for at least 25 years. Between 1987 and early 2012, the World Health Organization confirmed H5N1 infections of 584 people and 345 deaths in 15 countries. The human mortality rate resulting from H5 influenza can be as high as 60%. So far, most avian flu infections were transmitted from birds to humans and person-to-person transmission has been limited. However, scientists worry that genetic recombination or mutation will eventually occur, increasing human-to-human transmission and resulting in an outbreak or pandemic. It is this potential that makes avian flu vaccines a global public health priority.

"We believe VaxInnate's approach to vaccine development holds a great deal of promise for avian flu and look forward to learning more about the potential of VAX161 in this clinical trial," said principal investigator Casey Johnson, DO of Johnson County Clin-Trial (JCCT) in Lenexa, Kansas. The study is also taking place at Miami Research Associates (MRA) in South Miami, FL, under the supervision of principal investigator Eric Sheldon, MD.

Source: VaxInnate Corporation