http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20011015/hl/vaccine_1.html

Monday October 15 2:34 PM ET

Mich. Governor Wants Anthrax Vaccine Lab Licensed

By Louis Charbonneau

VIENNA (Reuters) - Michigan Governor John Engler said on Monday he strongly supported the re-licensing of Lansing, Michigan-based BioPort Corp., the only laboratory in the United States authorized to produce an anthrax vaccine.

``We strongly support their re-licensing by the Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites) (FDA),'' Engler told Reuters in an interview during an official visit to Austria. ``We think they have a very competent and very talented management.''

BioPort produced the vaccine for US armed forces personnel under an exclusive contract with the Department of Defense (news - web sites).

However, the private firm halted production of its anthrax vaccine in 1998 amid FDA concerns about the safety of its facilities. Last week, BioPort submitted the final materials necessary for a re-licensing inspection of its renovated plant.

The FDA has said it is encouraged by BioPort's efforts to improve its manufacturing process.

Engler expressed optimism about the FDA re-licensing process. He said after the September 11 attacks in the US, his concern had been the security of BioPort facilities.

``Our initial concern was limited to their security and safety, making sure that that site is safe and secure. And we believe that it definitely is,'' he said.

On October 5, the photo editor of the Florida-based Sun supermarket tabloid died from anthrax after receiving mail containing the odorless and invisible anthrax spores.

Since then, several anthrax-contaminated letters have reached people in the United States. The number of Americans who have tested positive for anthrax in what authorities have called bioterrorism has reached double figures.

CIVILIAN ANTHRAX VACCINATION

Once it has been re-licensed, BioPort has said it would be prepared to supply the vaccine, currently reserved for the armed forces, to civilians.

``I think that would be their hope, though right now they're just trying to finish their re-licensing with the FDA,'' Engler said. ``I'm sure they will look for developing the (civilian) market, though I'm also sure they hope that won't be necessary.''

BioPort could only take advantage of increased civilian demand for the vaccine once it had fulfilled its obligations to the Department of Defense and produced enough vaccine.

``We'd like them to fulfill their military obligations. After that, it would be a (good) opportunity to provide for the civilian population.... We'd be all for that.''

Engler said he did not know when BioPort would begin manufacturing the vaccine again.

In June this year, the Department of Defense curtailed its anthrax vaccination program as the vaccine started to run out.

However, in a press release issued at the time, the department said BioPort could be ready to re-start production of the anthrax vaccine by around the first quarter next year.

BioPort officials were not immediately available for comment.

The FDA first approved manufacture of the anthrax vaccine in 1970.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.