S. Korea's gov't OKs sale of locally-produced flu vaccine

SEOUL, Oct. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities gave the green light
to a local pharmaceutical company Wednesday to sell the nation's first vaccine
for type-A (H1N1) influenza.

Green Cross Corp. has completed its clinical tests for "Green Flu-S" and found
the drug is effective in fighting the H1N1 virus with just a single inoculation,
the Korea Food and Drug Administration said, adding that it has granted
permission for the pharmaceutical company to begin local sales of the product.
The move marks the eighth type-A flu vaccine to receive a government permit for
sale in countries around the world. Health authorities in the U.S., Europe,
Australia and Japan earlier allowed the sale of similar vaccines in their
countries.
The sale permit comes after Green Cross signed a deal with the South Korean
government to provide the vaccine in September.
Fears are growing as the spread of the new flu could pick up pace as the fall
season enters full swing, prompting some schools to temporarily shut their doors
after reporting flu outbreaks.
Since it was first reported here in May, the H1N1 virus has claimed the lives of
20 South Koreans. Most were categorized as highly vulnerable as they were either
elderly or suffered from chronic diseases.
The government is scurrying to stockpile antiviral drugs and vaccines in
preparation for a possible spike in infections. It plans to vaccinate 35 percent
of the country's 49 million population, with those deemed highly-vulnerable
including quarantine staff given priority, starting next Tuesday.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)