May 2, 2009

Scientists from AstraZeneca PLC, the UK-based pharmaceutical group, are in talks with the US health authorities about the possibility of developing a vaccine for swine flu, The Guardian reports Friday (Apr 1), citing Chief Financial Officer Simon Lowth.

"Our scientists are in close contact with the US Center for Disease Control...first they will need to get feedback and then they will need to deliver a vaccine," he is quoted as saying.

However, he warned that even if it was decided a vaccine was needed, it could be months before it was developed, given the particular strain of flu had still to be identified.

The swine flu outbreak has had no immediate impact on AstraZeneca's financial performance because the company doesn't make the kind of antiviral treatments currently being used on some of those diagnosed with swine flu, the Guardian adds.