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May 02, 2003

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Biodefense Plan Greeted With Caution"

Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com) (05/02/03) P. E1; Barbaro, Michael

Three months after President Bush announced Project BioShield, a new program designed to change the economics of biodefense, many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies say that the plan may not be enough to stimulate research into counteragents for various deadly diseases.  The companies are looking for a higher guaranteed profit and fewer restrictions to offset the legal and financial dangers of developing tests, treatments, and vaccines.  Some companies want better rights rules, while others want more liability protection.  The program would create a permanent fund for public health officials to use to support a promising product and would let agencies expedite projects should a bioterror attack take place.  The Defense Department has already ordered anthrax vaccine from BioPort and has asked DynPort Vaccine to develop several other vaccines, while other agencies have contracted with VaxGen and Acambis for vaccines,

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