Vaccine News and Research

Latest Vaccine News and Research

UMBI announces exclusive licensing of fully human antibody technology platform to Prolias

The University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI) today announced the exclusive licensing of a fully human antibody technology platform to Prolias, a biotechnology company working to discover and develop novel therapeutic proteins and antibodies for treatment of disease.

7 Jan 2010

Flu vaccine safe but ineffective for RA patients treated with rituximab

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are partially protected by the influenza vaccine 6-10 months after treatment with rituximab. Researchers determined that while the flu vaccine is safe, it is ineffective for RA patients in the first 6 months following rituximab treatment.

7 Jan 2010

Canada supports Mexico's pandemic response efforts

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, on behalf of the Government of Canada, has announced it will be providing five million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine to Mexico to help bridge that country's immediate pandemic vaccine requirements. This is not a donation. Mexico will replenish Canada's H1N1 vaccine supply by March 31, 2010.

7 Jan 2010

Developing countries reassess need for donated H1N1 vaccine

As the number of H1N1 (swine flu) cases in some regions of the world continues to fall, developing countries scheduled to receive donated H1N1 (swine flu) vaccines from the WHO are reassessing just how many vaccines their countries need, the Canadian Press reports.

6 Jan 2010

BioMimetic Therapeutics amends and restates its agreement with Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics

BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that effective December 31, 2009, the Company amended and restated its manufacturing and supply agreement with Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc. for the supply of bulk rhPDGF-BB to BioMimetic.

6 Jan 2010

HHS introduces National Influenza Vaccination Week to raise awareness about flu vaccine

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has designated the week of January 10 through 16 as National Influenza Vaccination Week, in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of the flu vaccine.

6 Jan 2010

CDC and AAFP recommend whooping cough vaccine for adults and adolescents

Many people may think of whooping cough as a disease of the past -- something eradicated generations ago. However, the number of cases reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that whooping cough (pertussis) is still very much a public health concern; health experts estimate that up to 600,000 cases occur each year in adults alone. In fact, whooping cough cases are on the rise in San Diego

6 Jan 2010

Special Notice announces BARDA's intentions to negotiate contract modification with PharmAthene

PharmAthene, Inc. a biodefense company specializing in the development and commercialization of medical countermeasures against chemical and biological threats, today commented on a Special Notice published by the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) on December 29, 2009.

6 Jan 2010

Opinions: U.S. medical emergency response; micronutrients; rotavirus vaccine; antibiotic development

"[D]espite the tireless efforts of public health and health-care workers, America's experience with H1N1 shows that the nation is not prepared to deal with a flu pandemic," former Democratic Senator Bob Graham and former Republican Senator Jim Talent write in Washington Post opinion piece that examines U.S. preparedness for medical emergencies. The writers chaired the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism.

6 Jan 2010

Preclinical data of Geron's telomerase inhibitor drug published

Geron Corporation today announced the publication of preclinical data demonstrating that its telomerase inhibitor drug, imetelstat (GRN163L), inhibited telomerase activity and reduced tumor size in xenograft models of glioblastoma, and inhibited the activity of glioblastoma stem cells in culture.

6 Jan 2010

H1N1 flu vaccine now available at CVS/pharmacy locations throughout California

CVS/pharmacy announced today that it has expanded the availability of H1N1 flu vaccine to more than 220 stores throughout the State of California.

6 Jan 2010

Wisconsin rural hospitals hope for federal money to offset state Medicaid cut

Wisconsin's rural hospitals hope to offset a state Medicaid cut with a tax that would bring more federal money to the hospitals. The proposed tax on the state's 59 'critical access' hospitals, all in rural areas, would prevent the hospitals from closing important services, officials say.

5 Jan 2010

Bioject Medical Technologies collaborates with MPI Research to explore drug and device opportunities

Bioject Medical Technologies Inc. (OTCBB:BJCT), a leading developer of needle-free injection therapy systems, today announced that it has established a strategic alliance with MPI Research, a leading pre-clinical research organization with experience in the development of injectable therapeutics.

5 Jan 2010

Formatech selects ViroMed’s VM206 for Fillanthropy Program

Today, Formatech has selected the next candidate for its Fillanthropy Program: ViroMed’s VM206 therapeutic cancer vaccine. Under the Fillanthropy Program, Formatech will donate the services required to aseptically fill and finish one lot of the vaccine to support ViroMed’s upcoming clinical trials.

5 Jan 2010

HHS to host special flu webcast on Jan 6, 2010

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will host a Know What to Do about the Flu Webcast on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 from 1 – 2 p.m. EST.

5 Jan 2010

Children’s vaccination coverage rises substantially in U.S.

About three-quarters of U.S. children received recommended vaccinations in 2008, up from about half in 2000, reports a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

5 Jan 2010

Vienna scientists develop new technique for producing H1N1 vaccines

Scientists in Vienna have developed a new technique for producing vaccines for H1N1, 'swine flu', based on insect cells. The research, published today in the Biotechnology Journal, reveals how influenza vaccines can be produced faster than through the traditional method of egg-based production, revealing a new strategy for the fight against influenza pandemics.

5 Jan 2010

CDC leaders to team up with USOC to hold H1N1 vaccination events in Alaska and Colorado

As America gears up for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the U.S. Surgeon General and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leaders will team up with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to hold H1N1 vaccination events at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the 2010 U.S. Cross Country Championships in Anchorage, Alaska on Tuesday, January 5, 2010.

5 Jan 2010

Stop & Shop to hold H1N1 vaccination clinics at select pharmacies

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company Giant today announced it will hold H1N1 vaccination clinics at select pharmacies starting January 8, 2010. Immunizations will cost $15 and be administered as long as quantities associated with this program are available.

5 Jan 2010

Department of Health urges Pennsylvanians to get vaccinated against H1N1 flu

All Pennsylvanians are urged to take advantage of the increasing supply of H1N1 vaccine by getting immunized at the upcoming vaccination clinics being offered by the Department of Health.

5 Jan 2010