Grant issued for study of new military anthrax vaccine

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Monday announced a $3.5 million federal grant to a Seattle research team for a study that could lead to an improved military anthrax vaccine, the Associated Press reported.

The team at the Benaroya Research Institute has developed artificial molecules called "tetramers," which could provide a more accurate test that could assist in development of an improved vaccine.

The effectiveness of vaccines is generally measured by the production of antibodies, according to lead researcher Gerald Nepom. That method is slow, indirect and incapable of evaluating the level of protection, he said.

"It's like following footprints in the sand rather than watching someone as they run by," he said.

With tetramers, scientists can directly observe the vaccine's effectiveness, Nepom added.