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 [1]

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 [2]

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 [3]

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 [4]

The FDA has been warning people to beware of fake swine flu vaccines being sold on the Internet. Story [5]

China's Sinovac Biotech has been buoyed by some big swine flu vaccine orders. Story [6]

Vaccine Research

PPD's recent deal to acquire Excel PharmaStudies in China includes a vaccine research center in Taizhou. Story [7]

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 [8]

Vaccine Market

Bill and Melinda Gates have been lobbying U.S. officials to boost funding for new health initiatives despite the recession. Story [9]

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 [10]

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 [11]

And Finally... The 2009 Biotech Graveyard [12]