GSK ‘committed to pandemic flu threat response’

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has reported that the company is dedicated to responding sufficiently to the global threat of an influenza pandemic, with the business continuing to fulfil orders for its H5N1 bulk antigen product.

Last week, GSK reported that the department of human health and services in the US had placed another order with the firm for the purchase of pre-pandemic vaccine, while the company had also initiated its pre-pandemic vaccine trials in North America.

Following the order of five million 5 microgram HA per dose treatments of H5N1 clade 2 bulk antigen in November 2006, GSK has received a second task order for a further 22.5 million doses of the bulk vaccine antigen.

David Stout, president of pharmaceutical operations at GSK, said: “We are committed to helping governments and public health officials around the world effectively respond to the global threat of a flu pandemic.”

He added that the company supported the steps taken by the US government to protect its population against this disease and happy to collaborate with it in these efforts.

In May 2007, GSK expressed its backing for the development of plans from the World Health Organisation to protect the most vulnerable people worldwide in the event of an influenza pandemic through the stockpiling of H5N1 vaccine.