CAIRO: A research team at the Egyptian National Research Center (NRC) has developed a new vaccine against the H5N1 bird flu virus, which researchers say is more effective in dealing with the strain of the virus found in Egypt. The NRC has signed a contract with the Holding Company for Biological Products and Vaccines (VASCERA) to start producing the vaccine. The vaccine is expected to be available on the market within a year to a year and a half. According to Mohamed Aly, head of the research team that developed the vaccine, the vaccine was prepared from local strains of the virus, which makes it more effective in Egypt than imported vaccines. Tests were conducted to ensure the effectiveness of the vaccine and that it would induce the body to make antibodies. Aly was also optimistic about devising vaccines to combat possible mutations of the virus. "The National Research Center now has the technology to develop vaccines for the H5N1 virus, including any changes or mutations that may occur, he said. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Egypt is the most affected country by bird flu outside of Asia, with 65 cases and 26 reported deaths to date.
