A good sign of the coming flu non-apocalypse

NEWS: "Vaccine Makers Are Ready This Time: If the swine flu outbreak worsens, drug companies should be able to ramp up production quickly," by John Carey, BusinessWeek, 11 May 2009.

One key thing to remember: even if swine flu went pandemic, the biggest outbreaks would be months away--as in, it unfolds in waves.

Now the good news: whereas we had only two vaccine companies last time around (04-05), now we have three additional Big Pharma giants added to the mix.

Meanwhile, plenty of start-ups jumping into the fray with new technologies.

Comments

[William R. Cumming]

Actually no vaccine for swine flu (H1N1) until next year and very unclear as to distribution in USA and other countries who may need it even more. But as you say, on its way with up to several billion in federal funding to support development and stockpiles. Congress throwing in a monkey wrency on Project BioShield funding of some of production and distribution. Again demonstrating lack of competence in this and many past Congress. Tom maybe we need you in politics?Your private life was a goner with this blog anyhow!