Bio-Terrorism and the Flu Pandemic Conference at The Biotech Weblog

In the aftermath of the London bombings, it is comforting to know that the Fraunhofer USA's Center for Molecular Biotechnology (CMB) will host a conference that will bring together leading scientists from around the globe to update each other on advances and issues relating to Homeland Security, bio-terrorism, general health and agricultural threats. Working around the theme, "Innovations in Mitigating Bio-threats", the conference will be held on Monday, July 18, 2005 [...] Read More


Rivax, Vaccine Against Bioterrorism Weapon Ricin, Passes Phase 1 Clinical Studies at The Biotech Weblog

This entry is submitted by Gloria Gamat, via Creative Reporter.Ricin is a potentially deadly toxin extracted from castor beans which could be used as a bioterrorism weapon. It can be administered in food and water or sprayed as an aerosol, and (depending on delivery) can cause fever, nausea and abdominal pain or lung disease before causing death. There is no antidote after the first few hours of exposure and, because symptoms [...] Read More


Chiron Files For EU Approval For Pandemic Flu Vaccine at The Biotech Weblog

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, [...] Read More


Flu Vaccine Recommended for Asthmatics at Allergies

Have you had your flu shot yet? If you have asthma or other chronic health conditions, you consider having the shot soon, before the peak of the flu season starts. By the time December rolls in, you'll have developed immunity from the vaccine to fend of the virus. Why is it important for those with asthma to get a flu vaccine? Research has found that the flu shot decreases the risk of [...] Read More


Pandemic preparedness at Sox First

The threat of bird flu has dropped off the radar - thus far, avian influenza has killed just over 200 people worldwide with about half occurring in Indonesia - but that doesn't mean the pandemic issue has gone away. Towards the end of last year, the Government Accountability Office released a report warning that the big challenge was "maintaining a focus on pandemic planning efforts due to the uncertainty of [...] Read More