S. Korea unlikely to buy problematic H1N1 vaccine from GSK

SEOUL, Nov. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will likely not order a vaccine against
the Influenza A (H1N1) virus made by GlaxoSmithKline Plc. (GSK) after the product
seemed to have caused a series of severe allergic reactions in Canada, health
authorities said Wednesday.
Distribution of the "Aprepanrix" vaccine made by the Britain-based pharmaceutical
company has been halted in Canada after it was linked to six cases of
anaphylactic shock, which leads to breathing problems and a sudden drop in blood
pressure.
The South Korean government earlier made a purchase agreement with GSK to secure
3 million doses of the vaccine within the year, but the deal fell through due to
disagreements over its terms, health authorities said.
"The government is currently using only local vaccines," a health official said
on condition of anonymity. "We have no plans to bring in foreign vaccines as we
are able to produce enough domestically."
A GSK official also said the company does not plan to independently supply the
vaccine in South Korea, even if no contract is signed with the government.
ecuedy@yna.co.kr
(END)