U.S. funds influenza vaccine development

WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a $201 million contract for development of a cell-cultured influenza vaccine.

The DynPort Vaccine Co. and Baxter International Inc. received the contract for development of Baxter's seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines.

The contract funds development of the seasonal influenza vaccine through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the pandemic vaccine candidate through Phase 2 clinical trials in adults and pediatric Phase 1 clinical trials.

DVC, the prime contractor, will provide overall management of the clinical trials. Baxter will develop and manufacture the vaccines and own all clinical data and licenses.