SARS vaccine unveiled

BioLeaders Corp. and MDLab Corp. announced on Sunday that they have come up with a technology that forms a SARS-virus antigen on the surface of edible lactic ferments. When prospective or present SARS patients take the lactic ferments, an antibody against the corona virus is established.

The SARS-virus antigen called "spike protein" is known to cover the surface of the virus, invade into the cells and spur antibody production but contains no noxious elements of SARS.

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"After we injected pigs and mice with porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus and transmissible gastro-enteritis virus - variations of the corona virus that is known to cause SARS - their resistance against those viruses was considerably enhanced," said Sung Moon-hee, president of BioLeaders Corp.

Sung further explained the unique features of the treatment. It can simultaneously induce IgG antibodies, which provide naturally acquired passive immunity, and IgA antibodies, which protect mucosal surfaces from the invasion of pathogens.

Mucosal surfaces have been identified as the primary means of SARS transmission.

In addition, lactic ferments' innoxiousness and stability are expected to enable long-term medication, he added.