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July 31, 2002
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"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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