Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, produces fully human monoclonal antibody that could cure bird flu/influenza as alternative of anti-virus drugs. Influenza/bird flu virus strains that resist oseltamivir (Tamiflu) have emerged. Confident in transferring technology to industry for the large scale production capacity to meet the demand in big epidemics.

Emeritus Professor Dr. Wanpen Chaicumpa, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, released that the research team of the Department successfully produces human monoclonal antibody for an effective treatment of avian influenza (bird flu). The invented technology is applying for patent right. The current influenza vaccines only protect against influenza virus strains related to the ones used for vaccine preparation. Both vaccine and anti-influenza drugs are not going to meet the demand of large influenza epidemic or pandemic.
Currently, influenza viruses are becoming more resistant to drugs. Previous report in Vietnam showed that strains of H5N1 virus subtype are resistant to oseltamivir. Since 2007, the research team thus sought to identify new alternative that could effectively treat the influenza.

The research team received research grant from the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Ministry of Science and Technology, Commission on Higher Education, and the National Research Council of Thailand.

Post Date : May 21, 2008