Companies to Start Tests on New Anthrax Vaccine
From Times Wire Reports
The government has created a genetically engineered anthrax vaccine that promises to cut in half the six shots now needed for protection, and chosen two biotechnology companies to begin testing it.
The $22.5-million contract award will allow California-based VaxGen Inc. and Britain’s Avecia to test the experimental vaccine on people to see if it is safe and, if so, to see if it provides protection against the deadly bacteria.
Federal authorities hope the two companies will pave the way toward Food and Drug Administration approval for the vaccine. Eventually, the government wants 25 million doses.
