Clinical trial brings one step closer the delivery of vaccines in food

Clinical trial results have shown that some strains of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria (H. pylori) are well tolerated in humans and can provide a potential oral delivery platform for vaccines. Dr. Barry Marshall said the positive results would now see Ondek Pty. Ltd. move to seek approval for another round of clinical trials in which a flu virus gene would be attached to the bacteria. The data also showed which strains of the unique bacteria had the most benign effect on the human stomach while still inducing an immune response. It may soon be possible to provide a simple oral delivery mechanism for vaccines that can protect against common diseases and be produced, stored and distributed faster and more cheaply. This may one day even make having an annual flu shot as painless as downing a spoon of yogurt. Researchers at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth gave several strains of...