Acambis: leading the pack on West Nile fever vaccine

Concern is rising in parts of the US that a West Nile fever outbreak could cause an epidemic worse than that experienced in 2004, due to a wet spring and diminishing immunity in the bird population. The increasing impact of the West Nile Virus since its arrival in the US in 2000 highlights the need for a preventative vaccine, with Acambis [ACM.L] leading the race to bring one to market.

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Antibacterials: narrow-spectrum strategy could change market

Researchers from the Royal Free Hospital have found that cutting down the use of broad spectrum antimicrobial agents can lead to a reduction in infections caused by Clostridium difficile. A wider adoption of this approach could reduce the market potential for broad spectrum agents significantly.

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AstraZeneca on the acquisition trail

UK drug manufacturer AstraZeneca ended 2005 on a high note, making four significant acquisitions in December. This spending spree comprised the acquisition of product rights for one phase III drug and two phase II products, alongside the purchase of UK-based biotech firm KuDOS Pharmaceuticals. With these purchases, AstraZeneca aims to bolster its pipeline in both the short and long term.

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Aventis: six-in-one vaccine considered for UK use

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Avian flu: UK government criticized for reliance on Tamiflu

In its recent recommendations for pandemic influenza management, the Royal Society has criticized the UK government for solely relying on Roche's neuraminidase-inhibitor Tamiflu as preparation for a possible future pandemic. The Society's comments make sense as diversification strategies will be crucial in the long-run to overcome the H5N1 strain's emerging resistances against Tamiflu.

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Bacterial infections: 89 million US cases in 2008

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Bacterial infections: US cases to increase by 5 million by 2007

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Biocontrol Ltd: novel approach for treatment of Pseudomonas

A small UK company has presented positive results from a Phase II trial investigating the use of bacteriophages for the treatment of Pseudomonas infections. The product, while still in the early stages of clinical development, represents a novel approach to the treatment of bacterial infections and offers a crucial new avenue of research in the treatment of Pseudomonas.

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Bird flu: current measures may not be enough

Faced by growing fears of a flu epidemic on the scale of those seen in the early twentieth century, the UK Department of Health has confirmed it is drawing up plans to deal with a possible bird flu crisis. Though vaccine manufacturers Chiron and Aventis-Pasteur have announced imminent initiation of human testing for bird flu vaccines, wider issues over prophylactic provision remain.

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Chickenpox: vaccination could do more harm than good

The UK research shows that, by cutting adults' exposure to the virus that causes both chickenpox and shingles, vaccination programs may do more harm than good. This is bad news for GSK, which is seeking UK approval for its chickenpox vaccine. However, it could be good news for products seeking to protect adults against shingles.

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