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New business model for researching, producing vaccines
Relying on venture capital-funded biotech research is problematic when it comes to vaccines for pandemics and bioterrorism; an expert proposes a private-public partnership within the HHS Biomedical Advance Research and Development Authority
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U.S. pays $31 million for development of smallpox treatment
Florida company awarded $31 million to to produce an inhaled version of an existing smallpox drug; Danish company in negotiations with the U.S. to develop a freeze-dried form of its smallpox vaccine
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Swine flu still poses a deadly threat
While H1N1 mostly causes mild disease, some people — estimates suggest fewer than 1 percent — become deathly ill, very fast; experts warned that these cases could overwhelm hospitals
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Better immune defense against anthrax
Scientists discover a gene in anthrax-causing bacteria may help defend against this form of bio-warfare
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Scientists closer to a safer anthrax vaccine
The currently available, 40-year-old anthrax vaccine, can prevent disease, but it has significant drawbacks: Immunity is temporary, and five injections over the course of eighteen months are needed to sustain it; one in five vaccine recipients develop redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site, and a small number develop severe allergic reactions; researchers offer a better vaccine
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Swine flu: 10 things you should know
A White House report from an expert panel suggests that from 30 percent to half the U.S. population could catch swine flu during the course of this pandemic and that from 30,000 to 90,000 could die
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Stanford researchers aim to stretch limited supply of flu vaccine
Stanford researchers begin trials which, if successful, it could mean that doctors would give people one swine flu shot instead of the anticipated two doses spread three weeks apart
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More swine flu cases at U.S. colleges as students return
CDC spokesperson: “I don’t think we’re surprised by the fact influenza is returning to these campuses. What is concerning to us is people becoming complacent about this and not taking the steps we know can protect them”
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WHO issue antiviral flu recommendations
The World Health Organization issued recommendations for antiviral treatment of both seasonal and swine flu; the guidelines represent the consensus reached by an international panel of experts who reviewed all available studies on the safety and effectiveness of these drugs
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Scientists develop optimal flu vaccine priorities, question federal guidelines
Researchers find that vaccines targeted at groups more likely to transmit flu viruses, rather than those at highest risk of complications, would result in fewer infections and improved survival rates
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Medical experts divided on swine flu precautions
Sixty public health officials, epidemiologists, and flu researchers worldwide about what, if any, personal precautions they have taken as the autumn flu season hits; there is no consensus
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U.S. human tests of swine flu vaccine begin
Nine academic sites in the United States will test swine flu vaccine on 2,400 volunteers; testing will involve two vaccines in five population groups and at two different strengths
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Dog likely source of deadly pneumonic plague in China
The city of Ziketan has been sealed off sine the weekend after an outbreak of pneumonic plague; the first fatality was a 32-year old herdsman — and initial tests show that the herdsman’s dead dog was the likely origin of the outbreak
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Third patient dies of plague in remote Chinese town
Chinese authorities have sealed off a remote Chinese town after an outbreak of pneumonic plague; authorities have set up a cordon with a 17-mile radius around the town of Ziketan; public buses were pulled off the streets, and the police is patrolling on the streets, advising shops to close
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