Quote
Chinese deal called off in race to beat bird flu
WHO offers funding and expertise to set up vaccine plant
By Apiradee Treerutkuarkul
Thailand has given up on a deal to transfer technology from Chinese experts and develop a bird flu vaccine production plant to prepare the country in the event of an outbreak of the virus.
Withit Artavatkun, managing director of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO), said the agency had decided to hire experts recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) instead of working with its Chinese counterpart, the China National Biotech Group, in the construction of a vaccine manufacturing plant here.
''The cell-based technology now used by the group is patented by a Japan-based firm and Thailand cannot reach a deal with its Chinese counterpart and the owner of the technology to manufacture a bird flu vaccine without permission,'' said Dr Withit.
WHO offers funding and expertise to set up vaccine plant
By Apiradee Treerutkuarkul
Thailand has given up on a deal to transfer technology from Chinese experts and develop a bird flu vaccine production plant to prepare the country in the event of an outbreak of the virus.
Withit Artavatkun, managing director of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO), said the agency had decided to hire experts recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) instead of working with its Chinese counterpart, the China National Biotech Group, in the construction of a vaccine manufacturing plant here.
''The cell-based technology now used by the group is patented by a Japan-based firm and Thailand cannot reach a deal with its Chinese counterpart and the owner of the technology to manufacture a bird flu vaccine without permission,'' said Dr Withit.
Continued at the Bangkok Post: www.bangkokpost.com/220608_News/22Jun2008_news03.php
