AccuSpray System To Deliver FluMist

Under a worldwide supply agreement, Becton Dickinson will be the exclusive supplier of its AccuSpray nasal delivery system to Aviron for its FluMist intranasal influenza vaccine, through the 2001-02 flu season.

FluMist, a live, attenuated influenza virus, is delivered to the mucous membrane of the nose where it can stimulate production of mucosal and circulating antibodies against influenza. In June, Aviron submitted a Product License Application/Establishment License Application for FluMist to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Aviron is seeking U.S. licensure for FluMist to prevent influenza and its complications in children and adults. In addition, the company is seeking licensure for FluMist when coadministered with inactivated vaccine (flu shots) in high-risk adults such as the elderly.

The product has been tested in approximately 5500 individuals aged 12 months to 81 years, as part of a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement between Aviron and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The AccuSpray system was used by Aviron to administer FluMist in all its clinical trials.

For more information: Karen Gilbert, Aviron, 297 N. Bernardo Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States . Tel: 650-919-6578 or Gerhard Mayer, Marketing Manager, Becton Dickinson. Tel: 201-847-4735.