TORONTO, April 20 /CNW/ - Microbix Biosystems Inc. (TSX:MBX) has developed and implemented a plan so that its employees and their families are protected as much as possible in the event of an influenza pandemic. Now the company is making its Pandemic Response Plan and ToolKit(TM) available to other organizations and individuals. Of greatest concern right now is deadly avian flu virus, H5N1, which has been found in birds in more than 30 countries. It has spread to 14 new countries in a month and infected 191 people, killing 108 of them. Many health experts warn that if H5N1 mutates so that it can be passed from human to human, it will result in a pandemic killing millions and wreaking havoc on the world economy. "Given the seriousness of the threat, we felt we had to do something for our employees," said Microbix President and CEO William J. Gastle. "And once we realized that there was very little practical information out there, we wanted to make these resources available to everyone." The company has implemented the Pandemic Response Plan at its facilities, and has given each of its employees a Pandemic Response ToolKit. Microbix is a virology company that develops biotherapeutic drugs and vaccines. "Our scientists and researchers work with flu virus every day, so we have a lot of resident knowledge about protection against exposure," said Gastle. The Pandemic Response Plan is posted at www.microbix.com where it is available for viewing. Those wishing to copy the plan may do so free of charge with the permission of the company. Below is a partial list of companies, and the countries they are located in, that have contacted Microbix to date: AON - Asia (Asia), Aspect Contact Center Services (USA), Bell Globe Media (Canada), Deloitte (Canada), Igloo Corp (USA), First Community Credit Union (USA), ITT (USA), MBIA Financial (USA), Misys Software (UK), NASD North American Securities Dealers (USA), Orange County Health Care Agency (USA), Rockwell Automation (USA), Service Canada (Canadian Government), St. Paul Travelers (USA), Statisphere (New Zealand Government), The Body Shop (UK), VWR International (US). Microbix is also making the Pandemic Response ToolKit available. Individuals and organizations can order the ToolKit via a link on the same website. Developed by Microbix and distributed exclusively through VWR International Inc., the ToolKit contains materials specially selected for their effectiveness in protecting against influenza virus exposure and sanitizing potentially contaminated surfaces. The ToolKit also includes instructions on how and when to use the materials, information about everyday situations where contamination is likely to occur, and recommendations on types and amounts of household items including food, water and medicines to keep on hand. "In the absence of any effective vaccines and drugs being provided by governments and industry on a timely basis, individuals and organizations have to assume responsibility for their own well being," Gastle noted. "That's why it is so important for people to have the necessary knowledge and resources. They need to know how to prepare and what to do in order to minimize their exposure to infection." As part of its regular business, Microbix has developed a technology designed to significantly boost the production yield of flu vaccine. The use of this technology with avian flu is being evaluated by an independent research organization, and results are expected in the near future. The technology would be an important breakthrough since worldwide annual flu vaccine production is now only about 300 million doses. In the event of a pandemic, many times that amount would be needed. "We think our Pandemic Response Plan and ToolKit can play an important role in protecting the lives of people, mitigating business disruptions, and minimizing the impact on the economy," Gastle said. Microbix specializes in developing proprietary biological technologies and commercializing them through global partners. The company is establishing intellectual property estates in large market biotherapeutic drugs, vaccines, and animal reproduction technologies. Established in 1988, Microbix is headquartered in Toronto. VWR is a global leader in scientific supplies with worldwide sales of over US $3 billion. Its primary customers work in the pharmaceutical, life science, chemical, technology, food processing and consumer product industries. VWR International is headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and its affiliates operate in 20 countries. 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, the independent evaluation of the vaccine technology may not be successful or if it is the industry may not license and use the technology to increase manufacturing capacity. 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. A photo of the Pandemic Response ToolKit is available for downloading at www.microbix.com. VWR and design are registered trademarks of VWR International, Inc. %SEDAR: 00004220E