Where Does it End?

Three questions:

1) Is anyone else wondering if we are getting too "vaccine-happy"?

2) Will the manufacturer of this stomach ulcer vaccine lobby for it to be added to the pediatric schedule?

3) Does anyone still doubt that vaccines are primarily a business and not a philanthropic endeavor?

Again, we see that drug companies are not kindly little non-profit organizations; their motivation is for profit: "Novartis has recently stepped up its investment in vaccines as part of a strategy to diversify its business."


Novartis plans new anti-ulcer vaccine trial in '08

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssHealthcareNews/idUSL0418525920080604

LONDON, June 4 (Reuters) - Novartis AG (NOVN.VX: Quote, Profile, Research) plans to launch a proof of concept trial for its experimental vaccine against a bug that causes stomach ulcers by the end of 2008, it said on Wednesday.
The Helicobacter pylori vaccine is currently in Phase I trials and has been shown to be safe and immunogenic in early tests.
Other products in early development include a Group B Streptococcus vaccine candidate in Phase I and a vaccine against infections from Group A Streptococcus, which is due to enter Phase I trials in 2010. A pneumoccocus vaccine to cover new strains is also expected to start Phase I testing in 2010.
The Swiss drugmaker laid out its development plans for the new vaccines in a statement ahead of a R&D meeting on its vaccines business to be held in Cambridge, Massachusetts, later in the day.
Division head Joerg Reinhardt said the products underlined the potential of the Novartis vaccines pipeline.
Its most advanced new vaccines are two against meningococcal infection in late stage development -- Menveo and MenB -- which analysts view as potential blockbusters.
Novartis has recently stepped up its investment in vaccines as part of a strategy to diversify its business. A new research site with up to 250 scientists is expected to open in Cambridge later in 2008. (Reporting by Ben Hirschler; Editing by Rory Channing)