Avian Influenza Type A Virus Strikes Asia

The recent avian flu out break in Asia is caused by H5N1 strain which is a subtype of Type A influenza virus.

TAIPEI, Taiwan (PRWEB) February 7, 2004 --Every year the economic and healthcare burdens from flu and cold illnesses are tremendous. Now we are confronted with the rapid spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza in several areas in Asia. Health officials around the world are now closely monitoring the spread of avian influenza and particularly officials in Asian countries are sounding alarms to warn the general populations that the so-called "bird flu" presents a risk of evolving into an efficient and dangerous human pathogen. The possible pandemic could be a threat to human health and a disaster for agricultural production.

According to the health authorities at World Health Organization (WHO), there are seven countries in Asia including Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, China, and Indonesia that have confirmed cases of H5N1. H5N1 is a subtype of the Type A influenza virus. Wild birds are the natural hosts of the virus but the virus has proven deadly to poultry and human. Deaths have been reported in humans exposed to the virus in Thailand and Vietnam. What could we do to improve the situation? Currently there are no vaccine available to fight against H5N1. However, four prescription drugs are available for flu prevention. These are the M2 inhibitors (amantadine and rimantadine) and the neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir and zanimivir). These drugs have been approved for the prevention and treatment of human influenza in some countries, and are thought to be effective regardless of the causative strain.

Recent research collaboration in algae science between Far East Biotech Company (FEBICO) and Dr. Shin-Ru Shih of Clinical Virology at Chang Kung University (Taiwan) has shown that the protein extract from microalgae has high in vitro antiviral activities. According to Dr. Shih, the extract is capable of inhibiting influenza Type A replication. In-vitro studies also show that the lethal concentration (LC50) of the extract is similar to popular anti-flu prescription medicine (oseltamivir). In other words, the extract effectively inhibited influenza Type A and with minimal side effects.

These studies further confirm previous research on microalgae extract in inhibiting influenza type A and B and Enterovirus 71. The results were published in prestigious peer reviewed journal, Journal of Medical Virology (May, 2003). US Patent was obtained for methods describing the inhibitory effects. The Company is looking into the potential of a drug candidate for the protein extract. According to James Hsieh, supervisor of business development at FEBICO, "...the natural microalgae protein extract is being offer as natural health supplement" which is a less expensive alternative to other preventative treatments. The health supplement has been formulated to help boost the immune system and, according to in vitro studies, prevent influenza virus infections.

###

FEBICO is a leading biotechnology company that researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes microalgae products. FEBICO is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan.
http://www.febico.com.tw

Chang Gung University is Taiwans preeminent university. CGU is known for its medical science research and collaboration with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital under Formosa Plastics Group. CGU is the cradle of the country's outstanding academic technological and management talents needed by the medical, industrial and management professions.

Contact: Far East Bio-Tec Co, Ltd., Taipei.