Acambis Accused in Smallpox Vaccine Row

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Acambis Accused in Smallpox Vaccine Row "

London Guardian (www.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,3604,1553664,00.html)

(08/22/05) P. 19; Tomlinson,

British biotech firm Acambis has been accused of stealing trade secrets

from Bavarian Nordic of Denmark in connection to the development of a

smallpox vaccine. Acambis is vying with Bavarian Nordic for a $1.9 billion

contract to supply the United States with a weakened version of the vaccine

for the elderly and others with compromised immune systems as part of

preparations for a potential bioattack. Bavarian Nordic has filed suit in

a U.S. court, accusing Acambis of using its research information and

technology to develop a vaccine. A complaint has also been filed with the

International Trade Commission over patent infringements. Bavarian says

its own strain of the smallpox virus was given to Acambis by a U.S.

government body and that prior to this, Acambis did not have a vaccine

product. Bids to the U.S. health department must be placed by September.

Initially, 20 million doses will be requested, with an option to buy up to

60 million more.

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