ID :
143587
Sat, 09/25/2010 - 16:48
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/143587
The shortlink copeid
MALAYSIAN COMPANY DEVELOPING VACCINE TO PREVENT HFMD AND JE
GEORGE TOWN (Penang, Malaysia), Sept 24 (Bernama) -- A biotechnology company
in Malaysia, Sentinext Therapeutics Sdn Bhd, is the midst of developing a
vaccine, believed to be the first in the world, that can prevent the hand, foot
and mouth disease (HFMD) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) epidemic.
Its scientific chief officer Dr Jane Cardosa said the company was working at
producing the vaccine that could kill the Enterovirus 71 (EV71), which
is notable as the major causative agent for JE and HFMD, which is more severe
in infants and children than adults.
"The vaccine, which is expected to be ready for full use in another six to
eight years, is capable of improving a person's antibody to fight EV71," she
told a press conference, here, Thursday.
She said the initial test revealed that the vaccine triggered a good immune
response and the pre-clinical test on animals and humans were expected to be
conducted in 2012.
"So far, we are satisfied with the test results and we will take it to
the next phase, especially in ensuring that the vaccine is safe for use," she
said.
Dr Cordosa said Sentinext Therapeutics received an allocation of RM40
million (US$12.9 million)from the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation
and Malaysian Life Sciences Capital Fund, and had carried out research and
development since last October to produce the vaccine.
"However, we are still in need of financial assistance, especially to carry
out the third phase of developing the vaccine which will cost RM20 million
(US$6.45 million)," she said.
Hence, she called on the private sector to invest in the project to ensure
that the vaccine which could kill EV71 could be produced.
She said prior to this, the Singapore government had sponsored a company in
the island republic to develop the vaccine, but the effort failed due to
insufficient funds.
Right now, she said a company in China was also in the midst of developing a
similar vaccine.
"However, what they will produce is only meant for their people," she said,
adding that Sentinext Therapeutics also planned to develop a vaccine that could
treat malaria and dengue.
-- BERNAMA
in Malaysia, Sentinext Therapeutics Sdn Bhd, is the midst of developing a
vaccine, believed to be the first in the world, that can prevent the hand, foot
and mouth disease (HFMD) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) epidemic.
Its scientific chief officer Dr Jane Cardosa said the company was working at
producing the vaccine that could kill the Enterovirus 71 (EV71), which
is notable as the major causative agent for JE and HFMD, which is more severe
in infants and children than adults.
"The vaccine, which is expected to be ready for full use in another six to
eight years, is capable of improving a person's antibody to fight EV71," she
told a press conference, here, Thursday.
She said the initial test revealed that the vaccine triggered a good immune
response and the pre-clinical test on animals and humans were expected to be
conducted in 2012.
"So far, we are satisfied with the test results and we will take it to
the next phase, especially in ensuring that the vaccine is safe for use," she
said.
Dr Cordosa said Sentinext Therapeutics received an allocation of RM40
million (US$12.9 million)from the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation
and Malaysian Life Sciences Capital Fund, and had carried out research and
development since last October to produce the vaccine.
"However, we are still in need of financial assistance, especially to carry
out the third phase of developing the vaccine which will cost RM20 million
(US$6.45 million)," she said.
Hence, she called on the private sector to invest in the project to ensure
that the vaccine which could kill EV71 could be produced.
She said prior to this, the Singapore government had sponsored a company in
the island republic to develop the vaccine, but the effort failed due to
insufficient funds.
Right now, she said a company in China was also in the midst of developing a
similar vaccine.
"However, what they will produce is only meant for their people," she said,
adding that Sentinext Therapeutics also planned to develop a vaccine that could
treat malaria and dengue.
-- BERNAMA
