Lab delays to slow arrival of swine flu vax

At this point, the new flu is believed to be in almost all 50 states and spreading rapidly around the world. A New Yorker has died from swine flu and Japan is one of a number of countries trying desperately to contain the outbreak as the virus infects a growing number of schoolchildren. And now it turns out that vaccine developers won't be able to start production on a new vaccine until mid-July as scientists discover that its more difficult than expected to create seed stock.

"For the first time in humanity, we are seeing, or we may be seeing, pandemic influenza evolving in front of our eyes," said WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, who's meeting today with a group of representatives from vaccine and pharma developers to coordinate a response.

Vaccine developers had expected that production of a new flu vaccine could start in May. But researchers say the virus grows more slowly than expected in the lab, making it difficult to create seed stock, a primary ingredient in the jab. Any development bottlenecks could create an explosive political situation, with poor countries being denied vaccine as the bulk of the production flows to wealthier nations which have supply contracts in place. And it will sorely test the world's vaccine industry, which also is expected to create massive supplies to guard against seasonal flu.

- here's the report from the Wall Street Journal
- read the story from the AP

ALSO: The New York Times looks at efforts underway to create a universal flu vaccine. Report

Related Articles:
Swine flu looks stable--for now
In days, swine flu becomes topic A for scientists
Researchers crack flu genetic code
U.S. declares swine flu health emergency