( SYDNEY April 30 2007-Australian bio-...)Apollo develops needle-free topical vaccine,Health

SYDNEY, April 30, 2007-Australian bio-discovery company Apollo Life Sciences has released results of preliminary trials of its patented needle-free vaccine technology, which delivers tetanus vaccine transdermally (through the skin) without the need for an injection.

According to Apollo CEO John Priest, the research points the way to the possibility that flu injections may soon be a thing of the past.

"With the winter months fast approaching, people around Australia are considering getting their flu shots, so progress being made by Apollo in developing needle-less vaccines may soon spell the end of the dreaded jab," said Mr Priest.

Mr Priest said the current market for vaccines is worth over US$9 billion annually and - with more than half a billion immunisations given each year by injections - the potential market for needle-free technology is huge.

"The stress of giving vaccines in a needle, particularly to children, and the risk of needle-stick injuries and the re-use of needles in poorer countries can hinder the safe delivery of vaccines. Our needle-free vaccine technology corresponds to a goal of the World Health Organisation to encourage research into safer and simpler forms of vaccination," Mr Priest said.

The trials showed that the Apollo technology can successfully deliver tetanus toxoid vaccine directly through the skin of mice, without needles. The technology has the potential to be applied in the delivery of influenza and measles-mumps-rubella vaccines that are given to Australian children.

Apollo expects to begin human trials of the technology later this year.

"The early tests show great promise for immunisation without needles. Trials show a better antibody (immune) response from our needle-less vaccine than the injected vaccine. Our technology allows simple application without needles, patches, abrasion or ultrasound, which all disrupt the skin," add
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