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November 20, 2002
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Wyeth Stops Making Flu Vaccine; Goal Now Is to Develop Inhalant" Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com) (11/20/02) P. D2; Hensley, Scott
In order to focus on its experimental flu vaccine that is inhaled rather than injected, Madison, N.J., based Wyeth will stop manufacturing FluShield, a flu vaccine, and Pnu-Imune, an injected vaccine against pneumonia for adults. The move will mean only two manufacturers will be making similar products next year, which could lead to shortages and leave the country unprepared for large outbreaks of influenza. Wyeth, which says it considered the public health impact of the move first, asserts that its rivals can meet any demand for the product. Wyeth and MedImmune are co-developing FluMist, an inhaled flu vaccine which the companies hope will receive Food and Drug Administration approval by next year's flu season, that will appeal to patients who fear needles or find doctor's appointments for injections inconvenient.
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