News: Studies of flu vaccines are launched

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Studies of flu vaccines are launched

BY DELTHIA RICKS.STAFF WRITER

October 19, 2004

Several rounds of studies are quickly getting under way to address a flurry

of questions about flu vaccines, as federal experts consider the possibility

of recommending flu shots to all age groups as early as next year.

Even as long lines and a vaccine shortage mark the beginning of this flu

season, several experts in and out of government - who asked that their

names not be used - said it is possible that such a recommendation will be a

high priority for next year's season. Efforts to vaccinate more groups have

been quietly under way for some time, long before this season's shortage,

which has restricted recommendations for the vaccine to include only those

most at risk for flu.

This season, federal health experts are coping with a vaccine supply that is

half what was expected, after one of two manufacturers supplying the United

States was cited by Britain for contaminated supplies.

Scientists are trying to determine how well the nasal live-virus spray

vaccine compares with the conventional inactivated-virus shot. Two studies,

one in adults and another in children under 5, are expected to have answers

before next year's flu season.

Another project aimed at improving vaccine production will determine whether

flu strains produced in silk-moth cells can yield a viable shot.

The fast-tracked scientific efforts could aid policy decisions by federal

health officials.

A study sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious

Diseases under way today at the University of Michigan, compares the

conventional injected vaccine to the nasal spray, sold as FluMist.

The study is important for several reasons, said Dr. Arnold S. Monto, an

epidemiologist and lead investigator, because the spray was not compared to

conventional flu shots before it was approved by the Food and Drug

Administration in June 2003.

" There really has not been a study that directly tested both contemporary

vaccines in a clinical trial, " said Dr. Lambert, influenza program

officer at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

FluMist, because it is inhaled, prompts antibody production in the nasal

passages and lungs. The conventional injection vaccine spurs immunity in the

bloodstream. Some experts contend the nasal spray triggers a stronger immune

response. No one knows for sure.

Dr. Pichichero, a University of Rochester vaccine expert, is

comparing, in children under 5, the live-virus FluMist and a conventional

flu shot. Currently, FluMist is approved only for those between ages 5 and

49.

Dr. Treanor, another vaccine expert at the University of Rochester, is

recruiting 200 people as of today into a study in which a flu vaccine

produced in silk-moth cells will be injected.

The vaccine, which will be given as a shot of inactivated influenza strains,

is being studied for two reasons. One, to determine if a potent vaccine can

be produced through a reliable cell line. And, second, to test a new method

of production that doesn't rely on eggs.

" This probably will be faster than the egg system, " Treanor said.

Influenza has arrived in New York. On its most recent map, which covers the

week of Oct. 9, New York State Health Department reports sporadic activity,

most of it in Queens and in far western Nassau County.