* Aviron Inc., of Mountain View, Calif., released data from a clinicaltrial held earlier this year demonstrating its intranasal flu vaccineprotected 85 percent of adult volunteers against the virus comparedwith 71 percent protection for those who received the standardtrivalent injectable vaccine. The study in 92 adults was conducted toplan for a Phase III trial, which began in August 1996 in children.Aviron's vaccine uses a cold-adapted modified living virus altered tobe non-virulent. It is designed to activate antibodies to influenza inthe mucosal immune system of the nasal passages as well as thesystemic immune system.

* QLT PhotoTherapeutics Inc., of Vancouver, B.C., said researchersat Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York found that thecompany's light-activated drug, Photofrin, in combination with alow-power medical laser, destroyed tumor cells and improved qualityof life for advanced esophageal cancer patients. QLT said its partner,Sanofi Winthrop Inc., of New York, has launched sales of Photofrinin the U.S. The photodynamic therapy was approved by the FDA as apalliative treatment for esophageal patients. Sanofi Winthrop is adivision of Paris-based Sanofi SA.

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