Science & Technology - FDA approves first U.S. bird flu vaccine

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FDA approves first U.S. bird flu vaccine

WASHINGTON (UPI) -- A vaccine designed to protect humans against the H5N1 influenza virus, known as bird flu, has been approved for the first time in the United States.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the approval Tuesday. Officials said the vaccine could be used in the event of an influenza pandemic to provide early limited protection in the months before a vaccine tailored to a specific pandemic strain of the virus could be produced.

"The threat of an influenza pandemic is, at present, one of the most significant public health issues our nation and world faces," said Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach, commissioner of food and drugs. "The approval of this vaccine is an important step forward in our protection against a pandemic."

Officials said the vaccine was obtained from a human strain and is intended for immunizing people 18 through 64 years of age who could be at increased risk of exposure to the H5N1 influenza virus contained in the vaccine.

The manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur Inc., will not sell the vaccine commercially. Instead, the vaccine has been purchased by the federal government for inclusion within the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile for distribution by public health officials, if needed.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International

This news arrived on: 04/17/2007

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