Alumnus David Stout (left), Class of 1976 and President, Pharmaceuticals Operations, GlaxoSmithKline, led a news conference in London March 30 to announce GSK’s launch of an international human trial program. The trials will test two pandemic vaccines against the H5N1 strain of avian flu virus, in the event it becomes transmissible between people.

Public health experts fear that the H5N1, the technical name for the bird flu virus, which is circulating in bird populations around the world, may evolve into a strain that is transmitted between people and could trigger a worldwide pandemic.

Stout recently participated on international panels with Dr. David Nabarro of the World Health Organization and Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of Infectious Diseases at NIH, to discuss how increased globalization contributes to the rapid spread of viruses and the probability of worldwide pandemics.

According to an article published by the Foreign Policy Association, as of March 10, the World Health Organization has confirmed 176 human cases of avian influenza, 97 of which resulted in death. Global efforts to address the spread of the virus have resulted in pledge of some $1.9 billion from 33 countries and international institutions. Though concern over the disease has mounted, the World Health Organization maintains that the virus does not spread easily from poultry to humans. There are no known cases of human to human transmission.

Glaxo’s trials on 400 healthy adult volunteers in Germany will test a flu vaccine with a classic adjuvant, or additive, to boost human immunity response. In addition, a trial in Belgium on 400 volunteers involves a novel adjuvant, which Glaxo believes could stretch supplies of the vaccine in the event of a pandemic by reducing the amount of antigen, or active ingredient, per dose.

At the briefing, Stout said, “We are only a part of the solution. We can provide the tools, but any effective response to a pandemic will require the partnership of all businesses, governments, NGOs (non-government organizations) and individuals across the globe.”

According to national report, currently 28 prototype vaccines are under development worldwide by 13 different manufacturers under a task force set up by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations.

When asked about competitors Stout said, “We’re not trying to be the lone hero in this effort. It would great if there are multiple options for the world for pandemic flu vaccines.”

Stout who has a B.A. degree in Biology from McDaniel is responsible for GSK’s pharmaceuticals and vaccines operations worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, International, Japan and Global Manufacturing and Supply. He served on the College’s Board of Trustees from 1996-2001.

GSK is a leader in flu treatment and preparedness. Preliminary results from the trials are expected to be available in the third quarter of 2006.