Sign in Subscribe
Health care industry

Genetically-Modified Tomatoes May Hold Key to Bird Flu Vaccine

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Australian plant scientist Amanda Walmsley is developing a vaccine against bird flu in tomatoes, using a technique similar to one that produced the world's first plant-made vaccine to prevent Newcastle Disease in poultry. This innovative approach involves introducing a gene from the H5N1 virus into tomato plant cells, causing them to produce a specific protein that can protect birds from the deadly virus. The vaccine is planned to be made in injectable form first, with oral and inhalable forms to be tested later. This breakthrough could potentially reduce the risk of a pandemic if the virus mutates to be easily transmitted between humans.

Key Takeaways:

  • The vaccine development is a collaborative effort between scientists from Melbourne's Monash University, the Burnet Institute, the University of Melbourne, and Dow AgroSciences in the United States, with funding from the Australian Research Council.
  • The team plans to produce a vaccine in injectable form first, followed by oral and inhalable forms for mass vaccination of poultry.
  • The vaccine aims to reduce the risk of a pandemic if the H5N1 virus mutates to be easily transmitted between humans.
  • Dr. Amanda Walmsley has previously developed a plant-made vaccine to prevent Newcastle Disease in poultry, using tobacco plants.
  • The new vaccine project hopes to produce a vaccine ready for preliminary testing in mice by the end of the year.
  • Bird flu has spread to 37 nations on three continents, infecting 175 people, including 96 who have died.
  • The virus has mostly been transmitted to humans through infected poultry.

Statistics:

  • 37 nations on three continents have been affected by bird flu.
  • 175 people have been infected with the virus, including 96 who have died.
  • The virus has primarily been transmitted to humans through infected poultry.
  • The vaccine development project aims to have a vaccine ready for preliminary testing in mice by the end of the year.

Sources:

  • "Genetically-modified tomatoes may become a key weapon in the global fight against bird flu." (Asia Pulse, March 17)
  • Australian Research Council (funding organization)
  • Monash University (Dr. Amanda Walmsley's institution)
  • Burnet Institute (collaborating institution)
  • University of Melbourne (collaborating institution)
  • Dow AgroSciences (collaborating institution)

Read more