Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report: The Billion Dollar Vaccine Business

According to The Wall Street Journal, "Vaccine sales are growing faster than sales of other prescription medicines...Government agencies both in the U.S. and around the world are increasingly reliable buyers of the vaccines." With the on slaught of news reports warning of a "flu epidemic," drug companies are eager to do business with vaccine manufacturers.

The Wall Street Journal reveals that Johnson & Johnson has brought. 18% of a Dutch biotech company for $441 million. This purchase will allow the companies to collaborate on creating vaccines. Other companies are also making similar deals.

Merck & Company has purchased the rights to market a seasonal flu vaccine from the Australian-based company CSL Ltd. Abbott Laboratories is negotiating a multi-billion dollar deal that reportedly "includes a vaccine-making business." Also, Pfizer Inc. purchased a drug company that specializes in vaccines earlier this year.

The Wall Street Journal" has quoted one of the leading vaccine makers as saying, "Vaccines are expected to generate $21.5 billion in sales by 2012."

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