How does PowderMed’s DNA-based vaccine work?
“PowderMed delivers DNA directly to the powerful immune network in the outer layer of skin [the epidermis] through a proprietary technology platform device called PMED [particle mediated epider-mal delivery],” says Beadle. “Gold particles coated with the DNA are propelled into the skin using high-pressure helium. Using the PMED delivery system, vaccination is needle-free, virtually painless, and can be easily administered without the need for trained medical personnel. The vaccine is injected via a needle-free device rather than via an intramuscular injection.” Beadle adds that no specialized medical training is necessary to use the vaccine delivery device in an emergency situation. Zelicoff agrees that the PowderMed vaccine is the solution—should it be needed. “There has been the fear that if you inject avian DNA into the human genome in small pieces it might cause infections the way HIV does,” he says. “But after billions of doses of DNA into mammals through vaccines, this has never
