News - The Daily Telegraph | Bird flu shot may take 2yrs

THE development of an effective vaccine against bird flu could take up to two years, blood products and vaccines developer CSL Ltd said today.

CSL (csl.ASX:Quote,News) is currently conducting tests on a prototype vaccine for bird flu.

Market analysts have estimated the market for a bird flu vaccine is potentially worth $US3.5 billion ($4.75 billion).

CSL chief executive Brian McNamee said he hoped a vaccine could be developed faster, but there were still crucial factors to be determined.

"I think it likely that there will be a prototype vaccine that stimulates the immune response," Dr McNamee said.

"What we don't know is what the dose is and whether we need an adjuvant (an ingredient or treatment that enhances the immune response) – they're the two questions.

"I think those questions will be answered in the next two years. It could be faster than that, but if you need an adjuvant it may take that long. We need to be realistic."

The Daily Telegraph | Bird flu shot may take 2yrs