The Hendra Virus
Summary: No licensed vaccine or therapy currently exists for Hendra, a virus that affects humans as well as animals. In hopes to find one, researchers infected 14 African green monkeys. These monkeys were chosen because Hendra has very similar effects on them as it does to humans. At different times after they were infected, 12 of the monkeys were given doses of the human antibody called m102.4, selected for its affinity for Hendra. This was a follow up study done after one that tested m102.4. All 12 of the treated monkeys survived. This includes a group that was given the antibody three days after they were infected. More extensive testing would be required to obtain approval for m102.4 to be a therapy.
Critique: I think that this study is really cool. Hopefully this therapy will prove effective. I didn't see it, but this reminds me of the new Planet of the Apes movie.
Impact: This could save the lives of thousands of animals and humans.
Reference: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/10/19/new_therapy_protects_monkeys_from_hendra_virus.html
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