Health

Chiron flu vaccine license suspension lifted

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted March 21, 2005

Print  |   Email  |   Respond  |   Reprints  |   Like Facebook  |   Share Twitter  |   Tweet Linkedin

Chiron Corp. announced early this month that it would start work toward producing flu vaccine for next season.

This action comes in response to the reinstatement -- also in March -- of Chiron's influenza vaccine manufacturing license by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the United Kingdom's Food and Drug Administration equivalent.

This past season's shortage resulted when the company's license was suspended in October 2004 because of contamination problems. Flu vaccine experts since have been nervously monitoring developments.

Meanwhile, the UK agency's current policy is contingent on the company continuing to make improvements to their Liverpool, England factory.

"We are extremely proud of this result," said Chiron Chief Executive Howard Pien. "In this new beginning, we remain focused on continuing to remediate and improve so Chiron can successfully deliver on the results required to supply influenza vaccine for the 2005-2006 season."

The FDA issued a statement declaring the action a "important milestone" but added that work remains before it will issue approval for next season. Both agencies will continue to monitor the situation.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/03/21/hlbf0321.htm.

Back to top


ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE


Featured
Read story

Confronting bias against obese patients

Medical educators are starting to raise awareness about how weight-related stigma can impair patient-physician communication and the treatment of obesity. Read story


Read story

Goodbye

American Medical News is ceasing publication after 55 years of serving physicians by keeping them informed of their rapidly changing profession. Read story


Read story

Policing medical practice employees after work

Doctors can try to regulate staff actions outside the office, but they must watch what they try to stamp out and how they do it. Read story


Read story

Diabetes prevention: Set on a course for lifestyle change

The YMCA's evidence-based program is helping prediabetic patients eat right, get active and lose weight. Read story


Read story

Medicaid's muddled preventive care picture

The health system reform law promises no-cost coverage of a lengthy list of screenings and other prevention services, but some beneficiaries still might miss out. Read story


Read story

How to get tax breaks for your medical practice

Federal, state and local governments offer doctors incentives because practices are recognized as economic engines. But physicians must know how and where to find them. Read story


Read story

Advance pay ACOs: A down payment on Medicare's future

Accountable care organizations that pay doctors up-front bring practice improvements, but it's unclear yet if program actuaries will see a return on investment. Read story


Read story

Physician liability: Your team, your legal risk

When health care team members drop the ball, it's often doctors who end up in court. How can physicians improve such care and avoid risks? Read story

  • Stay informed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • LinkedIn