ASPR announces pandemic strategy to support bird flu threat to humans

The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response June 25 announced a flu pandemic preparedness and response strategy in response to the threat of H5N1 bird flu in humans. The strategy, released through ASPR's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, has four objectives: strategic implementation and deployment of the national pre-pandemic influenza vaccine stockpile; enhanced protection through novel vaccines; leverage therapeutics through deployment, early availability, and development of novel products; and ensure rapid and effective diagnostics tools to inform rapid antiviral prescription and treatment.