Leading MRC scientists join in global fight against influenza A H1N1
27 April 2009
The swine flu-like influenza A (H1N1) virus from Mexico now circulating in the human population is of concern. Cases have also been reported in the US, with a further case confirmed in Spain and the two in the UK. More cases are suspected in other countries around the world. Scientists at the MRC’s National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), which houses the World Health Organization (WHO) World Influenza Centre in Mill Hill, are working as part of a concerted international effort to get to the bottom of the epidemic.
Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council, said: “This outbreak is to be taken seriously and there is no doubt that is what national and international agencies around the world are doing.That is why the WHO has raised its level of pandemic alert to Phase 4, reflecting sustained human-to-human transmission. What is essential now is for our scientists and teams around the world to work together to develop a complete understanding of the virus and if and how it is evolving.”
Dr John McCauley, an influenza expert at NIMR, explains the virus’ characteristics and the current situation: “It is too early to make a complete assessment of the health implications of this new virus or if it could represent the appearance of a potential pandemic strain of influenza virus. It was first characterised genetically by scientists at the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from isolates in California and Texas. They showed the virus to be a completely unusual virus, having genes from swine influenza viruses but not one that had been previously recognised."
Sir Leszek confirmed that samples of the virus were currently on their way to NIMR where some of the world’s leading influenza experts are trying to understand the virus and work with the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network and industry to develop specific diagnostic reagents and protective vaccines as quickly as possible. CDC is sending the samples which are expected to arrive by Wednesday, 29 April.
Antiviral drugs
The current indication is that the virus is susceptible to antiviral agents. The UK has antiviral stockpiles to provide treatment for 50% of the population should they become ill.
Sir Leszek added: “The UK Government has put plans in place earlier this year to increase supplies of flu drugs, making the UK one of the most prepared countries in the world. Research from NIMR published last year ensured stockpiles of both currently available drugs were amassed.”
Agreements made with Roche and GlaxoSmithKline earlier this year doubled the country’s antiviral stockpiles. The contracts brought our total capacity to 33.5 million treatment courses of tamiflu and relenza.
For more information about the virus and the UK’s preparedness visit the HPA website www.hpa.org.uk
Phone: 020 7637 6011
press.office@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
