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April 3, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Agents to Fight Infectious Diseases"

Associated Press (www.ap.org) (04/02/02); Agovino, Theresa

A new survey from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America determined that 256 drugs and vaccines targeting infectious disease are currently in development.  There are 96 vaccines under development against a wide range of diseases, and there are 32 new antibiotics being investigated.  While hepatitis, tuberculosis, and malaria are all common in developing nations, many drug companies are particularly interested in finding a vaccine for hepatitis, as the disease is a problem in the United States as well.  Approximately 5 million Americans are affected by some form of hepatitis.

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