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September 21, 2001

“Acambis to Start U.S. Smallpox Trial”

Reuters (www.reuters.com) (09/20/01); McBride, Janet

Due to concerns about terrorists attacks involving biological

weapons, such as smallpox and anthrax, in the wake of the

terrorists attacks in New York and Washington, Acambis will begin

testing a new smallpox vaccine in the United States.  The goal is

to quickly make the first smallpox vaccine in 20 years that meets

modern safety standards.  Acambis was due to deliver the vaccine

to the United States in 2004, but since the attacks, the process

has been sped up.  A $343 million, 20-year contract with the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is responsible for

Acambis’ research, which is to deliver 40 million smallpox

vaccination doses.

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