Posted on: Thursday, June 2, 2005
'Aiea firm plans Nile virus vaccine
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer
Hawaii Biotech Inc. today is expected to announce plans to develop a vaccine to protect native Hawaiian birds from the lethal West Nile virus.
Advertiser library photo 'Aiea-based Hawaii Biotech is researching a variety of antidotes, including vaccines for the West Nile virus and dengue fever.
The privately held biopharmaceutical company will start by testing its vaccine on Mainland geese. If successful, the vaccine could be used to protect native species, including the state's official bird — the endangered nene goose.
"This program helps demonstrate how biotechnology can help our community," said David Watumull, president and chief executive of Hawaii Biotech.
Work on the project will be done in collaboration with the University of Hawai'i, the National Wildlife Center and the National Park Service.
Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8093.
West Nile, a mosquito-borne disease that's harmful to humans and birds, was discovered on the Mainland in 1999. Because birds can migrate from the Mainland to Hawai'i, local species could be at risk for infection, according to Hawaii Biotech.
If it can be developed, a vaccine might protect rare and endan-gered Hawai'i birds such as this nene gosling on the Big Island.
