PPD deal includes Chinese vax research facility; Gates lobbies for more U.S. funds;

Swine Flu

In towns and cities throughout the U.S. you could see the impact of a vaccine shortage. In L.A. County free vaccine clinics began vaccinating all comers, with no regard for their priority. And as a result, supplies will now only last until November 4 instead of November 8. Report

In San Diego physicians said that parents were often responding angrily when told that the city is running out of vaccine after only a quarter of the expected supplies arrived. Story

Facing its own shortage of swine flu vaccine, Chinese officials say that the number of H1N1 flu cases has spiked in Beijing over the last week. Report

In Hong Kong, where 33 people have been killed by the new flu, officials say vaccine won't arrive until December. The pandemic apparently peaked there in late September. Article

The FDA has been warning people to beware of fake swine flu vaccines being sold on the Internet. Story

China's Sinovac Biotech has been buoyed by some big swine flu vaccine orders. Story

Vaccine Research

PPD's recent deal to acquire Excel PharmaStudies in China includes a vaccine research center in Taizhou. Story

Nabi Biopharmaceuticals is participating in an investigator initiated Phase IIb study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NicVAX Nicotine Conjugate Vaccine) when co-administered with varenicline as an aid to smoking cessation and relapse prevention. Release

Vaccine Market

Bill and Melinda Gates have been lobbying U.S. officials to boost funding for new health initiatives despite the recession. Story

A big hike in orders for the antiviral Relenza helped boost GlaxoSmithKline's third quarter profits. But ‘phasing' vaccine shipments led to a drop in sales for that category. Report

GlaxoSmithKline is vowing to make its new malaria vaccine, Mosquirix, readily available in the world's poorest countries once it passes a final test. Report

And Finally... The 2009 Biotech Graveyard