MedImmune to Present Four Abstracts on RSV and Influenza at 47th Annual IDSA Meeting

MedImmune to Present Four Abstracts on RSV and Influenza at 47th Annual IDSA
Meeting

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- MedImmune announced today it will
present four abstracts at the 47th Annual Meeting of Infectious Disease
Society of America (IDSA) being held here October 29 through November 1, 2009.
These abstracts advance the body of data surrounding respiratory syncytial
virus (RSV) and influenza prevention, highlighting MedImmune's leadership in
pediatric health.

"MedImmune is dedicated to conducting ground-breaking research on the
prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza in children,"
said Alexander A. Zukiwski, M.D., executive vice president and chief medical
officer. "We believe the data being presented at the conference may help
advance innovative healthcare solutions for these important causes of
respiratory infections in children."

MedImmune abstracts to be presented at IDSA on RSV include:

-- Prophylaxis Utilizing Nebulized Motavizumab, a Monoclonal Antibody
Against Fusion Protein of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Zhang J,
et
al. Poster Session: October 30, 2009; 12:30 - 2:00 PM; Poster Hall A /
Poster # 608

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the primary cause
of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in young children, and also causes disease in
older adults. This study evaluated the prophylactic use of nebulized
motavizumab, an investigational anti-RSV humanized monoclonal antibody against
RSV fusion protein, in cotton rats. The findings suggest that prophylaxis with
nebulized motavizumab may inhibit RSV infection and spread in the lungs and
may provide an alternative to the current intramuscular antibody delivery.

MedImmune abstracts to be presented at IDSA on influenza include:

-- A Postmarketing Evaluation of the Frequency of Use and Safety of Live
Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Use in Unapproved Children Less Than 59
Months of Age Tennis P, et al. Poster Session: October 31, 2009;
12:30-2:00 PM; Hall A / Poster #1179

BACKGROUND: In September 2007, the approval of live attenuated influenza
vaccine (LAIV) was expanded for use in children between 24 and 59 months in
age. The vaccine was not approved for use in children younger than 24 months,
or for use in children with asthma or recurrent wheezing, or those with
altered immunocompetence. This study evaluates the usage and safety of the
vaccine in those patient populations younger than 59 months of age that were
not in the approved indication. The study found that healthcare providers
appear to be complying with the indications for the use of LAIV in children <5
years, and no adverse safety outcomes were detected in the small number of
children in unapproved groups who received the vaccine.

-- Whole Genome Transcriptional Analysis of the Early Immune Responses
Induced by Live Attenuated and Inactivated Influenza Vaccines in Young
Children Zhu W, et al. Poster Session: October 31, 2009; 12:30-2:00
PM;
Hall A / Poster #1181

BACKGROUND: This study examined the early genomic immune response to live
attenuated and inactivated vaccines in previously unvaccinated children 12 to
35 months of age. Among LAIV recipients, an increase in interferon (a natural
anti-viral immune protein) production was seen, which may partly explain
previous clinical study observations of LAIV-induced protection against
illness in the first 2 weeks after administration.

-- Influenza-Associated Antibiotic Use in Children Receiving Live
Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Compared With Inactivated Influenza
Vaccine
Belshe R, et al. Poster Session: October 31, 2009; 12:30-2:00 PM; Hall
A
/ Poster #1180

BACKGROUND: Influenza illness in children commonly results in the unnecessary
use of prescription antibiotics. This analysis evaluated the efficacy of live
attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) and trivalent inactivated influenza
vaccine (TIV) in preventing antibiotic use in children ranging from six months
to 17 years in age. Overall, there was less influenza-associated antibiotic
use in LAIV recipients due to a lower rate of culture-confirmed influenza with
LAIV.

Additional information about the 2009 IDSA conference can be found at
http://www.idsociety.org/IDSA2009.htm.

About FluMist®

FluMist® (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal) is a vaccine indicated for
active immunization of individuals two to 49 years of age against influenza
disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and type B contained in the
vaccine.

FluMist is contraindicated in individuals with history of hypersensitivity to
eggs, egg proteins, gentamicin, gelatin or arginine or with life- threatening
reactions to previous influenza vaccinations, and in children and adolescents
receiving concomitant aspirin or aspirin-containing therapy.

Do not administer FluMist to children less than two years of age due to an
increased risk of hospitalization and wheezing that was observed in clinical
trials. FluMist should not be administered to any individual with asthma and
to children less than five years of age with recurrent wheezing unless the
potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. Do not administer FluMist to
individuals with severe asthma or active wheezing.

If Guillain-Barre syndrome has occurred with prior influenza vaccination or if
an individual is immunocompromised, the decision to give FluMist should be
based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks. FluMist
should not be administered to individuals with underlying medical conditions
predisposing them to wild-type influenza infection complications unless the
potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. FluMist should be given to a
pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Most common adverse reactions (occurring in 10 percent or more of individuals
receiving FluMist and at a rate at least five percent higher than in those
receiving placebo) are runny nose or nasal congestion in recipients of all
ages, fever more than 100 degrees F in children two to six years of age, and
sore throat in adults.

FluMist may not protect all individuals receiving the vaccine. FluMist is for
intranasal administration only.

Please see complete Prescribing Information for FluMist, call 1-877-FLUMIST
(1-877-358-6478) or visit http://www.medimmune.com/pdf/products/flumist_pi.pdf
for additional information.

About MedImmune, Inc.

MedImmune, the worldwide biologics business for AstraZeneca PLC (LSE: AZN.L,
NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,100 employees worldwide and is headquartered
in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With an advancing pipeline of promising candidates,
MedImmune aims to be the next revolutionary force in biotechnology by
delivering life-changing products, industry-leading performance, and a
tireless commitment to improving patient health. For more information, visit
MedImmune's website at www.medimmune.com.

SOURCE MedImmune

Media, Tor Constantino of MedImmune, +1-301-398-5801