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July 31, 2002

"Federal Role in Vaccine Production Debated"

American Medical News (www.amednews.com) (07/29/02) Vol. 45, No.

28, P. 19; Landers, Susan J.

Specific public policy changes could encourage manufacturers to

increase vaccine production and develop new drugs that would be

needed if a bioterrorist attack took place.  A bill introduced by

Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) would provide incentives like tax

credits and patent and liability protections to increase

production of drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics.  In addition, the

Institute of Medicine last fall re-introduced the concept of a

national vaccine authority and the creation of a

government-owned, contractor-operated national vaccine facility.

There are only four major vaccine manufacturers, and while there

are many small companies working on new vaccines, most of the

products will not make it to market because of high costs.

Public health preventative measures generally have low prices and

an uncertain market, according to the Food and Drug

Administration's (FDA's) Dr. Jesse Goodman, which means they are

not very attractive to manufacturers.  He adds that the FDA is

instituting a policy of "early and frequent consultations" with

product developers in an effort to improve quality.

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