H7N9 vaccine proves effective on lab mice

Researchers in Shanghai have developed a genetic vaccine for the H7N9 bird flu virus that has proved effective on laboratory mice, Shanghai Youth Daily reported on Friday.

All 30 of the mice in the study survived and tested negative for the virus 30 days after being inoculated first with the vaccine, and then with the virus, according to the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.

Researchers are applying to launch further clinical testing.

The center has also started to research antibodies against the virus. Researchers are developing a medicine by mass replication of antibodies found in infected humans. The medicine is expected to cure newly affected patients, according to the report.

China has stepped up research for an H7N9 vaccine in the face of increasing threat from the virus. Eleven Chinese had been confirmed as currently infected with the H7N9 bird flu virus by Wednesday, with eight in critical condition, according to Xinhua News Agency.