Getting Ready For H1N1 Virus This Fall

Aug. 19, 2009 - PRLog -- TAIPEI, Taiwan.  Every year, the economic and healthcare burdens from flu and cold illnesses are tremendous.  Now we are confronted with the rapid spread of the “new H1N1” virus, first identified in April 2009.  Health officials around the world are now closely monitoring the spread of the influenza, and sounding alarms to warn the general populations that the so-called “Swine” flu will present a significant pandemic this fall season.  The possible pandemic could be a threat to human health and a disaster for economic recovery.

Recent research collaboration between Far East Biotech Company (FEBICO) and Dr. Shin-Ru Shih of Clinical Virology at Chang Kung University (Taiwan) in algae science has shown in in-vitro and animal models, that the protein extract from microalgae has high antiviral activities.  According to Dr. Shih, the extract is capable of inhibiting the Influenza Type A replication.  In-vitro studies also show that the lethal concentration (LC50) of the extract is similar to the popular anti-flu prescription medicine (oseltamivir).  In other words, the extract effectively inhibited influenza Type A without side effects.  

These studies further confirm the previous research on the microalgae extract in inhibiting Influenza Types A and B and Enterovirus 71.  The results were published in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal, Journal of Medical Virology (May, 2003).  The US Patent was obtained for methods describing the inhibitory effects.  The Company is looking into the potential as a drug candidate for the protein extract.  “For the time being, we are offering this extract under the Apogen brand name for the natural health supplement product line”, says Mr. James Hsieh, business development at FEBICO.  “The product is naturally derived from microalgae and is an excellent choice for people who are gravitated toward taking natural compounds without side effects of drugs.” The health supplement has been formulated to help boost the immune system and, according to in vitro studies, prevent influenza virus infections.  Please contact FEBICO for distribution opportunities.

FEBICO is a leading biotechnology company that researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes microalgae products. FEBICO is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan.

Chang Gung University is Taiwan’s preeminent university.  CGU is known for its medical science research and collaboration with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital under Formosa Plastics Group.  CGU is the cradle of the country's outstanding academic technological and management talents needed by the medical, industrial and management professions.

Contact:
Far East Bio-Tec Co, Ltd., Taipei.
info@febico.com.tw
www.febico.com
www.apogen.com.tw

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FEBICO Group, Far East Bio-Tec. Co, Ltd, is a global leader in the research and development of quality products derived from microalgae. We are the first and only company that produces organically certified spirulina and chlorella by Naturland.