Vaccine "golden era" threatened by govt price controls

The development of vaccines is on the verge of a "golden era" but it may be threatened if the drive to cut costs by governments is continued at the expense of long-term health consequences, according to Louis Galambos, a professor at John Hopkins University, USA, and expert in drug R&D and public health.

Prof Galambos said that vaccine research is expanding fast, with two-thirds of world R&D in this area being conducted by European companies. However, continuing pressure on prices could have a negative impact on investment.

"The world is on the verge of a new golden age in vaccines research, but there are grave threats to this bright future," Prof Galambos said. He added that "history shows us that, if governments try to treat a research-based, innovative industry in the same way as if they were buying paper-clips it will have dire consequences. Last time this 'commoditization' of the market occurred, the number of major vaccine producers dropped sharply."