Called Pika, it triggers the body's defences against a wide range of infections, both viral and bacterial - something no drug on the market today can do.

Administered as a nasal spray, the chemical triggers a strong and immediate reaction from the body's immune system. It is effective within seconds and lasts for 24 hours. Boosters can be given to prolong its effectiveness.

The product looks promising enough for Singapore's national defence laboratories to have sent a scientist to the United States for a three-year attachment just to test it out.

Dr Gary Lau, who is midway through his stint at the US National Institutes of Health, is testing Pika against unusual flu strains such as subtypes of H5, H7 and H9 - all possible pandemic candidates.

Dr Ooi Eng Eong, who is in charge of the DSO National Laboratories' biological defence programme, said such tests cannot be done here 'because the US has the virus samples, and we don't'.

He added that Pika could also act as a booster for flu vaccines.

This can be critical when the world is rushing to produce as much antigen - the active ingredient in vaccines - as possible for use during a pandemic.

With the addition of Pika, only a tenth of flu antigens is needed.

While other flu boosters are available, Pika can be used both as protection - such as with a vaccine - or as treatment.

Read the full report in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times.