MedImmune Recognizes Student Researchers

A panel of MedImmune judges awarded cash prizes to three student researchers recently.They are considered the next generation of scientific leaders in respiratory diseases,inflammation and autoimmunity(RIA).The students and postdoctoral fellows submitted abstracts on RIA research and presented them at MedImmune's Gaithersburg,Maryland headquarters.
A first prize of 2,000 dollars went to Eric Boilard,postdoctoral student at Harvard Medical School and Brigham&Womens'Hospital for his arthritis research.Dr.Anthony J. Coyle,Ph.D.,vice president of R&D,said the research submitted could pave the way for further understanding of these diseases and could potentially help in the development of new therapies.
MedImmune is committed to investing in future scientists and promoting health and science education,Senior Vice President of R&D Buhija Jallal stated.MedImmune,a division of Astra Zeneca,has a pipeline of over 100 research projects and product candidates.It has facilities in the U.K. and the Netherlands,as well as in the U.S.

Health Uncle:MedImmune's Building Binge

MedImmune,a subsidiary of British Pharmaceutical holding company Astra Zeneca,is embarked on a substantial building program.Best known for its nasal vaccine FluMist,the firm,which employs 3100 people,has broken ground for a 300,000 square foot research facility at its Gaithersburg,Maryland headquarters.At the same time,it bought a second building with 56,000 square feet nearby,and is erecting a 355,000 square foot manufacturing plant in Frederick,Maryland,where it plans to make its pediatric respiratory drug,Synagis.MedImmune comprises 25% of Astra Zeneca's biotech business.
MedImmune is developing a nasal vaccine for the H1N1 virus,or swine flu.The contractor that makes its nasal delivery systems,however,was caught off guard by the new program,and is having trouble meeting the demand for H1N1 devices.The U.S. government has ordered at least 90 miilion dollars' worth of the H1N1 mist,in addition to normal FluMist,which MedImmune has already begun shipping.This year,regular FluMist will be administered as early as August,when many school check-ups are given.