SARS and Avian Flu Message Board

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Biotech / Medical : SARS and Avian Flu

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To: Biomaven who started this subject	4/1/2003 3:56:09 PM
From: Biomaven	Read Replies (1) of 4232

Just to summarize where we stand at this early stage: It's likely a coronavirus, but other possibilities have not been excluded, including the possibility that more than one virus is involved. If it is a coronavirus, there is likely no approved drug that will be effective, with the possible exception of ribavirin with or without steroids. Ribavirin is sold in the US by RNA, with ICN having the rights to the more expensive nebulized version. (But it's still quite unclear if either version will be at all effective). It's pretty unlikely in my view that VPHM's pleconaril would have any effect - it is designed for colds caused by a quite different class of virus. But in the longer term, VPHM has expertise with viruses, as do GILD, VRTX, MEDI and TRMS. The other possible plays are on the short side based on the effect on the broader economy if this disease spreads to any degree. Travel, leisure and airline stocks would be the most vulnerable in my view. Asian stocks have already shown some weakness. Peter

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