H1N1 News and Research

RSS

Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in Mexico and the United States in March and April, 2009. The first novel H1N1 patient in the United States was confirmed by laboratory testing at CDC on April 15, 2009. The second patient was confirmed on April 17, 2009. It was quickly determined that the virus was spreading from person-to-person. On April 22, CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to better coordinate the public health response. On April 26, 2009, the United States Government declared a public health emergency.

It’s thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread; mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus.

Touch of MIDAS to prepare the world for contagious outbreaks

To help the nation-and the world-understand and prepare for contagious outbreaks, the National Institutes of Health's Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS) adds new research expertise to increase its capacity to simulate disease spread, evaluate different intervention strategies and help inform public health officials and policymakers.

4 Sep 2009

Upgraded Upp Technology irms|EM software streamlines H1N1 vaccine distribution

Based on feedback from their national client base of Public Health Agencies and First Responders, Upp Technology has added significant enhancements to its already award winning irms|EM (Emergency Management) software. The new irms|EM product enhancements streamline the order fulfillment and distribution process of H1N1 vaccines and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to partner agencies, private facilities, as well as, the general public.

4 Sep 2009

Clinical trial of Novartis MF59 swine-flu vaccine elicits a strong immune response

Results from the first swine-flu vaccine trials taking place in Leicester reveal a strong immune response after just one dose.

4 Sep 2009

SFDA approves production license for Sinovac's H1N1 vaccine

Sinovac Biotech Ltd. (NYSE: SVA), a leading provider of biopharmaceutical products in China, announced today that the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) has approved the registration application for PANFLU.1, Sinovac's H1N1 vaccine, and has issued Sinovac a production license for this vaccine.

4 Sep 2009

New center to study mathematical modeling of drug resistance and internention to be established at HSPH

A new center that will focus on mathematical modeling of drug resistance, seasonal infectious diseases, and intervention allocation will be established at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH).

4 Sep 2009

H1N1 vaccine to cost countries $2.50 - $20 per dose

The H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine will cost countries between $2.50 and $20 per dose, based on their ability to pay, according to the director of the Initiative for Vaccine Research at the WHO, Marie-Paule Kieny, Agence France-Presse/Khaleej Times reports. During an interview published in the September issue of the WHO Bulletin, Kieny "also warned that there would not be enough vaccines for the world's population and that people should not rely entirely on the vaccine," the news service writes (9/2).

3 Sep 2009

CDC recommends routine health examintion for all school-age children

Although school has just begun, it is already exam time for students throughout Wisconsin. That's because in addition to notebook paper and pens, back-to-school preparations should also include routine health exams to make sure students are healthy and ready to learn. These include: a doctor's exam to confirm that all immunizations are up-to-date, a dental exam and a vision exam.

3 Sep 2009

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to purchase flu products from BD

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX) announced today that it has received a significant order from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the purchase of syringes and needles, sharps collectors and alcohol swabs to be used in national flu pandemic preparedness efforts.

From BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) 3 Sep 2009

Seasonal flu vaccinations increases by 237% this season compared to the same four weeks during last season

According to SDI, a leading healthcare market insight and analytics firm that consolidates electronic healthcare claims data, there have been over 477,000 seasonal flu vaccinations already administered through Aug. 29 — the fourth week of this year’s flu season. That is an increase of 237% compared to the same four weeks during last season.

3 Sep 2009

Outbreaks Near Me iPhone application tracks and reports outbreaks of infectious diseases in real-time

A new iPhone application, created by researchers at Children's Hospital Boston in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab, enables users to track and report outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as H1N1 (swine flu), on the ground in real time.

3 Sep 2009

Tennessee Department Of Health to implement Upp's centralized emergency management solution

Upp Technology will provide a centralized emergency management solution to the Tennessee Department of Health that will improve the availability of patient information and the efficiency of an emergency response. Already utilizing Upp’s irms|Go-Kits, to provide mobile emergency response solutions, Tennessee is now looking to add a centralized server to link the Go-Kits together in the field.

3 Sep 2009

SDA survey participants questioned about their level of concern on H1N1 virus

The good news: Americans recognize that good hygiene is an effective line of defense against the H1N1 virus (previously known as Swine Flu).

3 Sep 2009

First swine-flu vaccine trials reveal strong immune response

Results from the first swine-flu vaccine trials taking place in Leicester reveal a strong immune response after just one dose.

3 Sep 2009

Biosante's CEO to present an overview of the company and its impending merger with Cell Genesys

BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: BPAX) today announced that Stephen M. Simes, its president and CEO will present an overview of the company and its impending merger with Cell Genesys (NASDAQ: CEGE) at two healthcare investment and partnering conferences during the month of September.

3 Sep 2009

Sinovac Biotech signs marketing agreement with Boryung Pharmaceutical Company

Sinovac Biotech Ltd., a leading provider of biopharmaceutical products in China, announced today that it has signed an agreement with Boryung Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a Korean manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, to collaborate on marketing efforts and possible vaccine supply efforts to the government of South Korea for Sinovac's H1N1 vaccine.

3 Sep 2009

Health systems, HIV/AIDS, malaria discussed at WHO Regional Committee meeting

Luis Gomes Sambo, WHO regional director for Africa, on Tuesday at the 59th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Kigali, Rwanda, presented a nine-point guide suggesting malaria control strategies for African countries, Agencia AngolaPress reports. Suggested approaches include updating policies and strategic plans, strengthening research and scaling up supplies of medicines (9/1).

3 Sep 2009

Preliminary lab results of SHBAN hand sanitizer solution announced

BioTech Medics, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: BMCS) announces that it has received preliminary independent clinical testing of its patented SHBAN™ Hand Sanitizer Solution to demonstrate it kills the H1N1 (Swine) Influenza A virus.

3 Sep 2009

New York Times examines efforts to stop spread of dengue in Asia

"While emerging diseases like influenza A(H1N1), also known as swine flu, continue to dominate the headlines, experts say dengue is not only thriving in many endemic areas, it is also spreading to countries previously unaffected by the disease," New York Times writes.

3 Sep 2009

Molecular pathology laboratories gear up for swift swine flu detection

Dr. Jan Nowak, President of the Association for Molecular Pathology presented public comments today at the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee meeting.

3 Sep 2009

Obama urges Americans to take precautions to protect themselves from H1N1

After a day of meetings with senior White House officials to discuss the U.S. preparations for H1N1 (swine) flu Tuesday, President Obama urged Americans to take the proper precautions to protect themselves from infection, the Associated Press/Boston Herald reports (9/1).

3 Sep 2009