GlaxoSmithKline's experimental bird flu [1] vaccine hasn't been submitted for European approval yet, but Switzerland has already signed a deal to buy enough for its entire population. Switzerland will receive 8 million doses of the vaccine for stockpiling and another 7.5 million doses after any potential pandemic strain is identified. GSK and others in this field believe that creating vaccines based on the H5N1 virus will still afford protection to people after the virus mutates. In its current strain, the virus is not easily transmitted to people. GSK plans to submit the vaccine for approval later this year.
- read the AFX report [2] on the stockpiling deal
Related Articles:
GSK bird flu vaccine spurs more questions. Report [3]
The challenges of infectious disease. Report [4]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/search/node/bird+flu
[2] http://www.lse.co.uk/FinanceNews.asp?shareprice=&ArticleRef=76258&ArticleHeadline=Switzerland_to_stockpile_Glaxos_bird_flu_vaccine_in_case_of_pandemic
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/glaxo-bird-flu-vaccine-spurs-more-questions/2006-07-27
[4] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/2006-mid-atlantic-bio-the-challenges-of-infectious-disease/2006-10-12