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Tuesday, 18th October 2005 (5453 views)

British biotech company PowderMed has produced a H5N1 Avian influenza vaccine, which is delivered via gold nanoparticles, reports Genetic Engineering News.

In the current climate of escalating worries over avian flu, PowderMed's chief medical officer, Dr John Beadle, is suggesting that his company's technology could lead to effective vaccines against such pandemics.

Some supporters credit the delivery, facilitated by gold nanoparticles, with providing more promising data than that of other DNA vaccines.

The company's patented system, Particle Mediated Epidermal Delivery (PMED) enables vaccine DNA to be delivered directly to the skin's immunity network cells.

When coated with vaccine, the small gold particles can be shot into the skin at incredibly fast speeds using high-pressure helium.

PowderMed is reportedly planning to trial its DNA vaccines next year.

 

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