Tag Archives: Biodefense

Act Now to Protect Public Health and Prepare for the Upcoming Flu Season

Act Now to Protect Public Health and Prepare for the Upcoming Flu Season

As many as 49,000 people die from the flu annually, depending on the season, and children and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Among the 138 children who died from the flu during the 2012-2013 season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 90 percent were not vaccinated.  In addition, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized, with the most vulnerable being infants, young children, older adults, and people of all ages who Read More >

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Renewing the Project BioShield Act: What Has It Bought and Wrought?

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In the next several months, the U.S. Government will decide whether to continue the funding and authorities associated with Project BioShield, which expanded the U.S. stockpile of medical countermeasures (MCMs) for potential chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) attacks. Congress established Project BioShield in 2004 and provided $5.68B for procurement over 10 years. Two years later, it created the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to oversee BioShield’s advanced development and procurement efforts. To Read More >

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CDC Addresses Flu Vaccine Shortage

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Did you get your flu shot this year? With 48 states reporting widespread influenza activity, flu season has come on fast and strong. As of the second week in January, according to data released by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 29 children have died and 5,249 Americans have been hospitalized for flu-associated conditions. What’s been most worrisome, GEN’s Alex Philippidis writes, is that there have been spot shortages of the vaccine despite manufacturers producing 145 Read More >

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The Future of Biodefense: Will Public-Private Partnerships Continue?

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Ten years ago, in the wake of the 2001 anthrax attacks, the U.S. government set out on a bold path to improve the country’s preparedness for bioterrorism by developing and stockpiling new drugs and vaccines to protect Americans from health emergencies.  Individuals from both political parties – many who had experienced bioterror first hand – worked together to harness the power of innovative science and tackle this national security threat. The ten year initiative was Read More >

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#BIF2012 Company Snapshot: Chimerix

Chimerix

Our next Company Snapshot for next week’s BIO Investor Forum is Chimerix. They will be presenting on Tuesday, at 1:30pm, and will also be participating in a panel at the event, Choose Your Own Adventure — Late Stage Private Company Decisions on Wednesday. To learn more about the company before you get onsite, continue reading! Company Snapshot What is your company’s lead product or technology? Chimerix’s lead product is CMX001, a novel, broad-spectrum, oral antiviral that inhibits double-stranded Read More >

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