Report finds vaccines are major area of growth

NEW YORK The report by Kalorama Information indicating that one of the biggest areas of growth has been vaccines, and that the market is expected to double by 2013, is big news for the industry, as pharmacies and retail-based clinics are bound to reap the benefits.

This is especially true given the current trajectory health reform is on in this country, and the fact that clinics and pharmacies are emerging and expanding their services to help fill the “medical home” void.

The role that pharmacies and retail-based clinics play in being a vaccine destination will grow increasingly important also in light of the recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for consumers to get next season both a seasonal influenza vaccine and an H1N1, or Swine Flu, vaccine. The H1N1 strain has been officially raised to pandemic status.

Novartis has completed the first batch of influenza A(H1N1) vaccine, the vaccine against the novel H1N1 influenza virus, and plans to start clinical trials with that vaccine in July. Licensure is expected in the fall 2009.

More than 30 governments have made requests to Novartis to supply them with influenza A(H1N1) vaccine ingredients, including a $289 million order made by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.