AVAN gets physical...
biz.yahoo.com
AVANT CEO Calls for Creation of National Biodefense Clearinghouse
Technology Exists to Provide Biotech Defense Products But Industry Needs Coordinated Support
WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 5, 2002--A coherent national biodefense plan combined with an active government/ biotechnology industry partnership is the best strategy to protect America from some of the most terrifying threats of a new and dangerous era, testified Una S. Ryan, Ph.D. at a special hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
Dr. Ryan is President and Chief Executive Officer of AVANT Immunotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVAN - news), a Needham, Massachusetts biotechnology firm, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).
``The biotechnology industry's most advanced technology offers the prospect of biodefense vaccines that are far more effective, better tolerated, less expensive, and faster acting than current generations of vaccines,'' Dr. Ryan said.
For example, the current anthrax vaccine provided to U.S. troops requires multiple injections, which are painful and associated with unwanted side-effects. Once the series of injections is begun, immunity develops gradually over several months. ``In contrast, AVANT has developed live, attenuated vaccine technology that is easily and cost-effectively manufactured, well tolerated and offers protection in as little as seven days with a single oral dose. While our initial vaccine fights cholera, the vector technology used to develop this product can be readily tailored to fight a wide range of bioterror agents,'' she commented.
(contd. in provided link)
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