Protalix Biotherapeutics Inc. (NYSE:PLX; TASE: PLX) share price rose 8% this afternoon on the TASE following a report yesterday on Channel 2 that it can synthesize a vaccine to treat Ebola.
In the recent outbreak of Ebola mainly in West Africa, a US citizen who contracted the disease successfully recovered. He was probably saved by an experimental Canadian drug whose stocks are depleted.
However, Karmiel-based Protalix can reportedly produce the necessary treatment swiftly and effectively. The only problem is that the vaccine is patent protected and only if the World Health Organization gives the green light will Protalix be able to supply the vaccine.
However, Protalix CEO Dr. David Aviezer has poured cold water on the idea saying, "We have no information about the drug, no connection with the manufacturers. We also have no genetic information about the drug or the rights to use it."
More than 1,900 people have died during the current outbreak of Ebola which probably comes from African bats.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 7, 2014
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