Alternative Method of Producing Flu Vaccine
During the 2004-2005 flu season, an experimental flu vaccine produced by an alternative method was studied in over 400 persons. The vaccine was produced by genetic engineering techniques that used yel- low striped caterpillars instead of the conventional specially harvested hen eggs. Researchers published results of the study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. More than two-thirds of people who received the higher vaccine dose in the trial experienced a strong immune response. Further, none of these people got the flu. The lead investigator reported that this is the first time protection from the flu has been demonstrated using this method of flu vaccine preparation.
The conventional method of producing flu vaccine involves eggs from hens. Live viruses are injected into the eggs and are grown. The viruses produced are then taken from the eggs and are treated through a number of steps to make vaccines. The entire process takes about nine months. With the alternative production, a flu virus gene is injected into caterpillar worms, followed by the production of flu viruses. The production process takes only about a month.