AstraZeneca, CSL, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, sanofi-aventis, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services infectious news

HHS will appropriate $1 billion from existing funds for an H1N1 influenza vaccine, including new orders on existing pandemic contracts to produce bulk supply of H1N1 antigen and adjuvant. Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline will receive $288.8 million and $181.1 million, respectively, to produce both antigen and adjuvant. sanofi-aventis' sanofi pasteur S.A. vaccines unit will receive $190.6 million to produce antigen only. GSK said the order includes its AS03 adjuvant system, an oil-in-water-based emulsion approved in Europe. FDA has not approved any adjuvanted flu vaccines. ...