Michio Morita

Title: Michio Morita: Innovator in Vaccinia Virus Research

Introduction

Michio Morita is a notable inventor based in Chiba, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of virology, particularly in the development of vaccines. With a total of 2 patents, his work has had a lasting impact on public health.

Latest Patents

Morita's latest patents include a mutant vaccinia virus and a process for its production. This improved mutant vaccinia virus provides a pock and plaque size on RK13 cells that is approximately the same as those of the Lister original. It also has a proliferation potency on YTV cells that is comparable to that of the Lister original, while exhibiting lower neurovirulence, as assessed by the recovery of an intrabrain virus. Additionally, he developed an attenuated smallpox vaccine strain that shows antibody production similar to conventional strains but without postvaccinal side effects. This vaccine is prepared by attenuating a Lister strain of a vaccinia virus through cell culture and selecting a suitable strain that demonstrates relatively small and uniform pocks on the chorioallantoic membrane of an embryonated egg.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Morita has worked with various organizations, including the Chiba Prefectural Government and Toa Nenryo Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. His experience in these institutions has contributed to his expertise in vaccine development and virology.

Collaborations

Some of his notable coworkers include Kazuyoshi Suzuki and Kiyoshi Ooi. Their collaborative efforts have further advanced the research in the field of vaccines and virology.

Conclusion

Michio Morita's contributions to the field of vaccine research, particularly through his innovative patents, have made a significant impact on public health. His work continues to influence the development of safer and more effective vaccines.