Technology that enables scientists to identify targets for the development of vaccines against viruses such as H5N1 in weeks rather than months has entered a pilot study at ProImmune.

ProImmune has developed Reveal & ProVE, a novel technology that enables scientists to identify the specific antigens on viruses that can be detected by the immune system and used as targets in vaccine development. The new screening system enables researchers to analyse any protein derived from a pathogen for potential immunogenicity within only four weeks, a process that has previously taken many months to complete, claims the company release.

Dr. Nikolai Schwabe, CEO of ProImmune said, "If the H5N1 virus mutates to increase its infectiousness to humans, a severe global flu pandemic could ensue. Presently no vaccine is available to treat H5N1 influenza but many companies are in the race to develop new vaccines. This new technology from ProImmune should help in ensuring a vaccine is developed rapidly as a new strain emerges.

"Reveal & ProVE can revolutionise the discovery of new highly relevant targets for vaccines and other immunotherapy through a dramatic shortening of timescales and reduction of labour required in the process. Our pilot study could make an important contribution to the rapid development of a vaccine for avian influenza, especially given the immediacy of the medical need," he added.

The pilot study will explore the protein sequence of the key H5 protein in the avian influenza virus.

Reveal & ProVE technology is widely applicable across many disease areas including all areas of cancer and infectious diseases, and is ideally suited to accelerate critical bio-defence research.

ProImmune Ltd is a private biotechnology company that specialises in providing quality research reagents for monitoring the condition of the immune system.