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Published on January 26, 2008

Scientists at Silpakorn University with support from the GPO developed the prototype.

At present the vaccine is being analysed for quality and efficacy before starting the

trials. The first batch is expected to roll off the production

line within three years, Witit said.

"I believe the price will fall if we can get it in production within three years," he added.

The GPO spent Bt1.4 billion on a factory in Saraburi. It will be able to make a minimum of 200,000 doses a year, increasing to a maximum of 2 million.

"This will be enough to provide for everyone if a flu pandemic occurs," he said.

Witit expected the vaccine would allow the country to reduce imports, and secure it against a possible pandemic.

The GPO has raw-material reserves for the production of the drug oseltamivir, which is used to treat the symptoms of bird flu in humans, as well as the flu. It can make 400,000 tablets a day, he said.

Roche Laboratories sells the drug as Tamiflu.

Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation