Time: 2024-08-04
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) recently announced a new project to accelerate the development of vaccines for human bird flu infections in poorer countries using messenger RNA technology . The initiative will be led by Argentinian manufacturer Sinergium Biotech , which has already started developing candidate H5N1 vaccines . The H5N1 bird flu virus first emerged in 1996 , and since 2020 , there has been a significant increase in outbreaks in birds , with the virus also jumping to mammals , including cattle in US farms and a few humans , raising concerns about a potential future pandemic.
Sinergium aims to establish proof - of - concept for its candidate vaccines in preclinical models . Once the preclinical data is available , the technology , materials , and expertise will be shared with manufacturers in low - income countries , allowing them to accelerate their development and production . The WHO 's mRNA Technology Transfer Program , established in 2021 during the COVID-19 crisis , aims to help countries develop and produce their own vaccines using mRNA technology , promoting vaccine equity globally.
mRNA technology has been at the forefront of vaccine development , as seen in the rapid production of COVID-19 vaccines . The technology instructs the body to produce a specific protein that triggers an immune response , teaching it to defend against infections . This approach allows for the swift design of vaccines compared to traditional methods . The initiative by the WHO and Sinergium Biotech exemplifies a proactive approach to vaccine development , ensuring readiness for potential future pandemics caused by Avian influenza viruses with the potential to spark a global health crisis.
In the United States , where there have been 13 human cases of bird flu since April , efforts are underway to prepare for any potential outbreaks . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has stated that the risk to the general public is low , but precautionary measures , including the preparation of non - mRNA bird flu vaccines , have been taken . Moderna has received funding to develop and test an mRNA vaccine for bird flu , highlighting the importance of advanced technology in combating infectious diseases and enhancing global health security.
The WHO 's mRNA Technology Transfer Program aims to build capacity in low - income countries to produce mRNA vaccines , ensuring a more equitable response to future health crises . By focusing on sustainable production capacity for vaccines , particularly mRNA - based ones , countries can be better prepared to respond swiftly to emerging infectious diseases like H5N1 . The initiative underscores the importance of global collaboration in vaccine development and preparedness to tackle potential pandemics effectively . Through partnerships and technology sharing , the world can enhance its readiness to combat emerging health threats and ensure a more equitable distribution of life - saving vaccines.
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