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October 23, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Flu-Vaccine Firms Await Verdict by FDA on Nasal-Spray Version" Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com) (10/23/02) P. B3D; Byrt, Frank

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is increasing the categories of people that it recommends should get an influenza shot this autumn, but MedImmune is waiting on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to hear whether its FluMist nasal spray vaccine will be approved in time to make it to market this season.  The chances of it getting approval in time are low, says one analyst, who adds that many are expecting clearance in 2003.  CDC medical epidemiologist Carolyn Bridges notes that even without the approval of the nasal spray vaccine, "vaccine supply shouldn't be a problem this year, as there are more vaccine doses available than we've ever had."  Aventis spokesman Len Lavenda says that the company's vaccine production is on schedule and that Aventis intends to boost its manufacturing in the coming years to keep up with the market.  An SG Cowen survey of about 800 physicians indicated that 90 percent said they would use an intranasal vaccine instead of a shot [if available], and over 75 percent of those surveyed said they thought patients would prefer the nasal spray to the intramuscular injection. Some analysts questioned whether the public will pay more for the nasal spray vaccine, which will cost an estimated $35 or more, compared to the $10 to $15 that people now pay for the injected flu shot.

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