FDA Approves ACAM2000(TM) Vaccine for Protection Agains... ( About smallpox Smallpox is a highl...)

FDA Approves ACAM2000(TM) Vaccine for Protection Against Smallpox

Date:9/3/2007

About smallpox

Smallpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the variola virus, a member of the Orthopox virus family. It is one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity, with a mortality rate as high as 30%. In 1967, the World Health Organization embarked upon an intensified vaccination campaign to eliminate smallpox, which culminated in the successful eradication of the disease globally by 1980.(1)

By the mid-1980s, there were only two known repositories of variola virus: the Institute of Virus Preparations in Russia, and the US CDC. The events in the US in September and October 2001 highlighted the risk that the variola virus might be used as an agent of bioterrorism.(2) Governments around the world are taking precautionary measures to be ready to deal with a potential smallpox outbreak.

About ACAM2000

- ACAM2000 is a live, vaccinia virus smallpox vaccine indicated for active immunization against smallpox disease for persons determined to be at high risk for smallpox infection.

- It is a single-dose vaccine administered percutaneously.

- It was derived by plaque purification from Dryvax(R), the licensed calf lymph-produced vaccine that was extensively used in the smallpox eradication program.

- ACAM2000 is manufactured in Vero cells using modern cell-culture techniques designed to comply with current Good Manufacturing Practice standards.

- Acambis has supplied more than 200 million doses of ACAM2000 under an FDA Investigational New Drug application to 15 governments around the world, including the US.

Notes and references

(1) WHO: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/smallpox/en/

(2) CDC: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/overview/disease-facts.asp

About Acambis

Acambis is a leading vaccin
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FDA Approves ACAM2000(TM) Vaccine for Protection Agains...( About smallpox Smallpox is a highl...)