Chiron Corp is seeking approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for its pandemic influenza vaccine. The application for a fast-track approval is based on a so-called 'core dossier' approach: evaluation and approval of an application based on a 'mock-up vaccine'.

Since no-one can predict the exact form of a pandemic flu virus strain, the EMEA allows drugs companies to start the approval process for vaccines still in development.

Earlier this week, Chiron entered into a supply contract with the UK government (for government supply, not for general sale) for its pre-pandemic influenza vaccine for a stockpile based on the H5N1 avian influenza virus strain.

Other companies seeking European approval are GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi-Aventis.

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