MedImmune just can't seem to catch a break on FluMist. The flu vaccine has been a consistent underperformer since its debut, but even analysts were caught by surprise when the Gaithersburg, MD-based drug developer announced that sales of FluMist for 2005 plunged a jaw-dropping 56 percent. There are plenty of reasons for the poor performance: The drug has to be frozen, making it difficult to store, and it's approved for healthy people 5 to 49. MedImmune wants to roll out a refrigerated version that will be made available to a larger group. The company has its sights set now on the 2007-08 flu season, but some analysts say that investors' patience may wear thin before then.
- read this article in The Washington Post for more