Global Security Newswire

Researchers from Saint Louis University in Missouri and other institutions are conducting a human study of an experimental smallpox vaccine that might be used to counter a possible bioterrorist attack, the St. Louis Business Journal reported Monday (see GSN, Jan. 11).

The study will examine and contrast a liquid and a powder version of the experimental smallpox vaccine Imvamune, which is produced by biotechnology firm Bavarian Nordic. The powder vaccine is added to a liquid before it is administered as a shot.

Researchers also intend to contrast the human immune system response when the shot is administered between layers of skin or between skin and muscle.

"If we find that giving the vaccine intradermally is safe and prompts an immune response that is as strong as when the vaccine is given subcutaneously, we potentially could protect more people with the same amount of vaccine," lead researcher Sharon Frey said in a statement.

While smallpox has been eliminated in nature, concerns remain that the highly contagious and often deadly disease could be developed into a biological weapon by terrorists (St. Louis Business Journal, Feb. 1).