PANDEMIC FLU PLANS UNVEILED

Abstract

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH has announced an ambitious $7.1 billion plan to prepare U.S. for a possible influenza pandemic. The strategy he outlined on Nov. 1 at NIH in Bethesda, Md., includes $1 billion to stockpile antiviral drugs and more than $1 billion for vaccine development. The cornerstone of Bush strategy is $2.8 billion for accelerating development of cell-culture technology for vaccine production. Current techniques using eggs involve a six- to eight-month process before a vaccine is available. Bush is also asking Congress to strengthen liability protections for vaccine makers. The pharmaceutical industry appears to be pleased with Bush's plan, but some public health groups complain that it lacks key elements. Today's efforts are an excellent and comprehensive first step to prepare for a flu pandemic, says Billy Tauzin, president of Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America. A spokesperson for advocacy group Trust for America's Health, however, says that the ...