TORONTO, Dec. 6 /CNW/ - Microbix Biosystems Inc. (TSX:MBX) today announced that an independent influenza research laboratory will be evaluating the Company's proprietary technology for boosting influenza vaccine production output. Microbix is transferring its technology to the laboratory, located in a major North American teaching hospital, where the effectiveness of the process will be tested and assessed. The final report is expected in about six months. Microbix' technology has the potential to increase production yields of influenza vaccines significantly. This would be an important breakthrough in combating a possible future flu pandemic, since annual global vaccine production capacity is currently only 300 million doses, far short of the potential pandemic requirement. "We have every confidence in our technology," said William J. Gastle, President and CEO of Microbix. "Numerous studies have already shown significant gains in viral yield. We look forward to this additional assessment as it will provide independent, objective guidance to the manufacturers of influenza vaccines." The Company reported its intention to seek an independent evaluation of the technology in an earlier news release. Microbix specializes in developing proprietary biological technologies and then commercializing those technologies through global partners. Its products include biotherapeutic drugs, vaccines, and infectious disease diagnostics. Established in 1988, Microbix is headquartered in Toronto. This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. For instance, product development and field trials may proceed slowly or not at all and may not result in products that can be commercialized, savings by producers may not reach value estimates or at all and sales may not reach sales targets or be made at all. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. %SEDAR: 00004220E