An experimental vaccine produced by drug maker Sanofi-Pasteur has shown strong promise in protecting recipients from the HN51 virus, also known as the avian flu. A limited clinical trial conducted by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the French drug maker found the vaccine produced a strong immune response in the patients who were given it. Experts say the development is a major step in the fight to prevent a catastrophic outbreak of the virus, which worst case scenarios have warned could kill 100 million people. The vaccine could be available as soon as soon as September.

Experts warn that the mere existence of a workable vaccine does not guarantee that a pandemic could be averted. Officials at the World Health Organization caution that further testing is needed before the vaccine can be licensed and distributed. The FDA is expected to quickly approve US distribution of the vaccine in light of the public health threat HN51 is seen to represent.

- see the story from The Washington Post