Identical Shared Replikins Found Conserved from 2012 to 2014 in the Genes of Mers-CoV Virus Infecting Camels and Humans

LONDON, May 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A Replikins analysis by Bioradar, Ltd of Mers-CoV in all isolates of the virus genes reported to date in Pubmed from both humans and camels has revealed specific shared gene Replikin structures that are not just homologous but are identical in the virus genes infecting both camels and humans, and conserved since 2012 in cases from all countries affected. Replikins, Ltd.  has now produced a Replikins Synthetic Vaccine based on these identical shared structures. This vaccine, constructed like the vaccine shown effective in the case of H5N1, is offered as a potential inhibitor of the progression of Mers-CoV. The Anti-Mers-CoV vaccine is now available for camels, and if safe and effective, for humans.

Mers' related coronavirus, SARS, produced approximately 8000 human cases and 800 deaths in 2003. Mers has a higher mortality rate than SARS. Mers started in 2012 with an approximate mortality rate of 40%, and now the mortality rate is approximately 30%. The duration of the Mers outbreak is also greater than that of SARS. SARS' abrupt rise and rapid decline in gene Replikin Count signaled in 2002 that the 2003 outbreak would occur but would be over soon (and it was over within one year)(1,5). In contrast, the increased Replikin Count reported in October 2013 (1) was followed by the upsurge in Mers human outbreaks in 2014, and indicates a more prolonged course and a greater risk of pandemic. No anti-Mers vaccine has been available.

The Anti-Mers-CoV Replikins Synthetic Vaccine, the only one available now, is unique because:

1. Prediction: The Anti-Mers Replikins vaccine is based on the same gene technology which correctly predicts, one to two years in advance, coming breakthroughs or pandemics. This has been established retrospectively one year before the SARS outbreak of 2003, and prospectively i) in June 2013 for the current Mers outbreaks; ii) in 2006 for the 2007 H5N1 lethal outbreak in Indonesia; iii) in 2010-2011 for the H5N1 outbreaks in Cambodia; and iv) in 2008 for the 2009 H1N1 pandemic (5,6).
2. The concentration of gene Replikins (Replikin Count=Number of Replikins per 100 amino acids) relates quantitatively to rapid replication of the pathogen, and to morbidity and mortality, whether the pathogen is a virus, bacterium, or cancer cell.
3. The prediction identifies the specific gene Replikin structures involved in the rapid replication and outbreaks of the attacking pathogen.
4. The prediction also defines the geographic areas which have the highest pathogen Replikins activity, from which global spread initiates, and to which public health and vaccine containment efforts can be directed (as with Indonesia for H5N1 in 2006, and Saudi Arabia for the current Mers outbreaks)(4).
5. The specific gene Replikin structures identified are the basis of the synthetic vaccine designed.
6. Such Replikin vaccines have been produced freeze-dried by solid phase synthesis in 7 days, can be produced in unlimited quantities before the outbreak peaks, have been shipped without need of refrigeration, and have been found effective against Taura Syndrome virus in shrimp and influenza H5N1 virus in chickens (4).
7. The discovery here of identical Mers gene Replikins structures both in infected humans and in camels provides a defined parallel host relationship for vaccine testing. It would be useful to determine if the vaccine would increase immunity and decrease clinical outbreaks in camels. If sufficiently safe and effective in camels by classical criteria, extension of the trials to humans can be considered.

Replikins therefore provide a complete defense system, not previously available, beginning with prediction pre-outbreak, based on detection and specific identification of the quantitative specific gene changes associated with rapid replication. These gene changes can be addressed in advance of, or after, outbreaks occur, providing time to possibly prevent pandemics rather than just reacting to them.

While it would have been preferable to begin testing the Replikins Anti-Mers vaccine when the upturn in gene Replikin Count was noted in October 2013 (1), there still may be time to reduce or interrupt the present progression of Mers-CoV. Camels have been hypothesized to be a reservoir and source of human Mers infection mostly because of the detection in camels of antibodies which react with the Mers-CoV virus (2-4). The present quantitative gene-specific structural findings support this hypothesis. The Replikins Anti-Mers-CoV Vaccine, now available, can be tested and used first in camels in Saudi Arabia to strengthen their immune response to Mers-CoV and to reduce the risk of passing this infection to humans.

Contact: Email, Tel 646-320-5910

http://www.replikins.com 

References:
1.MERS WATCH BBC October 21, 2013
2.CIDRAP NEWS. Reports: Mers-CoV found in Saudi's patient's camel. Nov. 11, 2013.
3.Memish,Ziad. Promed Mail. Animal reservoirs, camels. http://www.isid.org Nov. 12, 2013.
4.Maged G. et al Mers-CoV in Dromedary Camel Herd, Saudi Araba. EIDjournalAhead of Print / In Press May 15, 2014
5.Bogoch S and Bogoch ES. Nature Precedings doi: 10.1038/npre.2012.6952.1 Replikins Pandemic Prevention: Increase of Strain-Specific Influenza Genomic Replikin Counts, Having Predicted Outbreaks and their Location Seven Times Consecutively, Up to Two Years in Advance, Provides Time for Prevention of Pandemics.
6.Replikins Reports < Replikins > 2006-2014.

SOURCE Replikins, Ltd.