Crucell discovers antibody against H5N1 bird flu virus

09/14/07 - newratings.com

LONDON, September 14 (newratings.com) - Crucell NV (CRX) Friday announced that it had achieved a breakthrough in the development of the H5N1 bird flu vaccine.

The Dutch biotechnology company said it had discovered a monoclonal antibody that acts against the virus. Crucell added that the treatment is effective against a number of strains of the virus. The company’s chief scientific officer said tests had shown that the antibodies could prevent infection as well prevent and cure the disease caused by the H5N1 virus in mice. Crucell cautioned, however, that the results were "pre-clinical" and the compound should not be assumed to have commercial applications as of now.